A significant step towards enhancing global human rights cooperation begins today in New Delhi. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has launched the six-day Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Programme. This initiative focuses on strengthening the human rights protection capabilities of senior officials from the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of the Global South.
The programme, which runs from 3rd to 8th March 2025, will engage 47 participants from 14 countries. These countries include Madagascar, Uganda, Samoa, Timor Leste, DR Congo, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Burundi, Turkmenistan, and Qatar. This event is set to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to improve human rights frameworks in their home countries.
Building Capacity for Human Rights Protection
The ITEC programme aims to provide insights into the dimensions of human rights through a series of interactive lectures, cultural immersions, and field visits. The participants will benefit from the experience and expertise of eminent domain experts, gaining a deeper understanding of international human rights frameworks. The focus is on sharing NHRC India’s best practices in human rights protection and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of the NHRC, will inaugurate the programme today, marking the start of an event that will not only expand knowledge but also strengthen South-South cooperation between nations in the Global South.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation and Networking
A major objective of the ITEC programme is to promote networking and partnerships between NHRIs at regional and international levels. By sharing experiences, the programme aims to create a more robust and collaborative environment for human rights protection worldwide. The enhanced capability of NHRI functionaries will contribute significantly to advancing the protection and promotion of human rights in their respective countries.
The participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with global human rights experts, taking part in discussions that could shape the future of human rights practice and policy in the Global South.
Expected Outcomes: Knowledge, Networking, and Collaboration
The anticipated outcomes of this programme are multi-fold. By the end of the six days, the participants will have gained a clearer understanding of international human rights dimensions and the role of NHRIs in upholding those rights. They will also have explored strategies to strengthen their institutions’ capacities, thus improving human rights mechanisms within their nations.
Moreover, the networking opportunities will foster future collaborations and partnerships, ensuring that the commitment to human rights continues to grow across borders.
The ITEC programme reflects India’s commitment to human rights education and international cooperation. It is an integral part of the NHRC’s ongoing outreach efforts to enhance human rights understanding globally, especially in regions where such training can have a transformative impact.
