JAMMU, DECEMBER 10- Under the guidance of Justice Rajesh Bindal, Chief Justice (A) and Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority and visionary leadership of Justice A.M. Magrey Executive Chairman LLSA, “National Human Rights Day” was observed by the Legal Services Authorities of both Union Territories through District Legal Services Authorities across all districts of UT’s of J&K and Ladakh involving Para Legal Volunteers, Panel Lawyers and other stakeholders.

The Day was observed by organizing various programmes to commemorate the adopting of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 1948 which set out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. The Human Rights Day was observed in consonance with the theme, “Recover Better- Stand up for Human Rights”, focusing on severe repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic on the under privileged people, children and other marginalized sections.

DLSA Samba observed Human Rights Day by organizing an online capacity building Programme with Para Legal Volunteers to create a workforce for coordinating all recovery efforts in consonance with Human Rights for promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The Para Legal Volunteers also organized painting and Slogan writing competitions involving children to make them aware about the concept and to promote their talent during the current pandemic. An awareness program was also organized at Purmandal for the tribal people by PLVs to sensitize them about their basic human rights.

DLSA Ramban observed “Human Rights Day” at Legal Aid Clinics of Rajgarh, Sangaldan and Ukhral where the PLVs made the people aware about the need to build back better by making the Human Right central to all recovery effort. Effort was made to generate awareness at community level so that every member of the society can contribute constructively in ensuring these rights.

Meanwhile, DLSA Kathua organized various awareness camps and painting competitions in observance of the day at various places with the objective of raising awareness on the concept irrespective of race, birth, caste, creed or gender. The day was observed by TLSCs of Billawar and Mahanpur where writing competitions and awareness programmes were organized in schools motivating the children to stand up against racism, hate, bullying and discrimination.

Human Rights Day was observed by DLSA Udhampur throughout the district at various places.

At Kaller, a programme was organized with slum dweller children who were enrolled in Anganwadi Centres and were also apprised about human rights. Besides, door to door campaigns were organized by PLVs to commemorate the day.

DLSA Leh observed Human Rights Day by organizing legal awareness camps at Bogdhan and Diskit Nubra where the participants were made aware about the basic human rights essential to the existence of mankind. Human Rights Day was observed at Wyth Skill development centre by DLSA Kupwara where role of Legal Service Institutions, PLVs and Panel Lawyers as guardians of human rights was highlighted.

DLSA Anantnag organized a day long training programme of PLVs at the ADR Centre to make them understand human rights, issues confronting human rights and role of Legal Services Authorities in promoting and protecting the Human Rights of under privileged and marginalized sections. Pledge was taken to work for protection for Human Rights.

DLSA Jammu observed the day by organizing an awareness camp at District Court Complex where the participants were apprised of the importance of basic Human Rights which is necessary for the development of individual and the overall growth of the society. Judicial Officers, PLVs and Panel Lawyers participated in the programme.

DLSA Reasi celebrated the day by organizing a webinar which was attended by Police Officers and Para Legal Volunteers of the District. The day was observed at Court Complex Katra where an awareness camp was organized and the importance of the day was highlighted .

The day was similarly observed by DLSAs of other districts across UT’s of J&K and Ladakh with enthusiasm. All precautions and safety norms were taken into consideration in the wake of pandemic while conducting the activities.