NHRC Hosts ITEC Programme for Capacity Building of Global Human Rights Officials

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is set to host a significant six-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Programme from November 11 to 16, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of senior officers from National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across eight participating countries: Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Jordan.

Background of the ITEC Programme

Established in 1964, the ITEC programme serves as a vital platform for international capacity building, enabling India to share its governance and development expertise with countries around the world. Over the years, ITEC has trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in various sectors, including both civilian and defense. The programme offers nearly 10,000 fully-funded training opportunities annually through approximately 400 courses at over 100 esteemed institutions across India.

The ITEC framework includes various modalities tailored to meet specific training needs. These include traditional in-person courses, online training through eITEC, and specialized short-term programmes designed for senior government executives. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ITEC adapted by providing online healthcare and governance-related training to nearly 10,000 professionals.

The six-day ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme organized by the NHRC will cover a range of specific topics related to human rights. Participants from various National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) will engage in technical sessions that include:

– Human Rights Frameworks: Understanding international and national human rights laws and standards.
– Complaint Mechanisms: Training on the NHRC’s online complaint management system, which allows for efficient handling of grievances.
– Monitoring and Reporting: Techniques for effectively monitoring human rights situations and reporting findings.
– Capacity Building: Best practices for enhancing the operational capacity of NHRIs.
– Policy Development: Strategies for developing and implementing human rights policies at the national level.
– Collaboration Techniques: Methods for fostering collaboration between NHRIs and civil society organizations.

These topics aim to equip senior officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to address human rights challenges effectively in their respective countries

Objectives of the ITEC Capacity Building Programme

The upcoming ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme is specifically designed for senior officials from NHRIs. The primary objectives of this programme include:

– Enhancing Knowledge: Participants will gain insights into best practices in human rights governance and administration.

– Skill Development: The programme aims to equip officials with necessary skills to effectively address human rights challenges in their respective countries.

– Networking Opportunities: By bringing together participants from diverse nations, the programme fosters collaboration and exchange of ideas among NHRI officials.

Participating Countries

The inclusion of eight countries—Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Jordan—highlights India’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships in human rights advocacy. Each of these nations faces unique human rights challenges that can benefit from shared experiences and collaborative solutions.

Conclusion

The NHRC’s collaboration with the MEA for this ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme underscores India’s dedication to promoting human rights globally. By empowering NHRI officials through targeted training and capacity building initiatives, India aims to contribute positively to the global discourse on human rights and governance. This initiative not only enhances the skills of participants but also strengthens international ties in addressing pressing human rights issues.

Source: PIB

also refer UNHRC