November 16, 2001

    India has told the United Nation’s High Commission for Human Rights that the country has a strong constitutional framework to end all types of discrimination against different sections of people. . This was stated by the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya when the United Nation’s High Commission for Human Rights, Ms. Mary Robinson called on him here today. He said that during the last fifty years a lot has been achieved but much more needs to be done in this regard. Dr. Jatiya said that priority is given to education and economic uplift of the weaker and marginalised sections to bring them into the mainstream of national life. We are assisted by about two thousand NGOs to achieve this goal. He said that concerted efforts are being made to end social discrimination and there is a strong legal framework to deal with violations. Dr. Jatiya said that there are isolated incidents of discrimination and violence but they are not widespread as have been alleged in some reports. Regarding Juvenile Justice, the Minister informed the visiting dignitary that a new child friendly Act has been constituted that makes a clear distinction between a juvenile offender and a neglected child. He said that the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry is running a 24-hour free phone Childline Service to help children in distress. He said the Childline Service presently available in 28 cities would be extended to cover 50 cities.

    Appreciating the efforts being made by India to empower its marginalised sections, Ms. Robinson said that UN High Commission for Human Rights is likely to organise a conference on violence against children next year and expressed hope that India would be actively involved in it. She offered support on the issue of juvenile justice. Ms. Robinson said that the UN would vigorously implement the Declaration of the Durban Racism Conference.