NIHR hosts lecture themed human rights, international law

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) - in cooperation with the Royal Command, Staff and National Defence College - has organized a lecture themed "International Law and Human Rights".
The lecture was presented by Dr. Ahmed Farhan with participation of several officers studying in the College.

He elucidated the meaning of human rights as a set of individual and collective rights as defined in national constitutions and international law. He explained the basic principles according to which human rights stand are considered as universal rights that ensure human dignity regardless of colour, gender, ethnic origin, faith, language, age, disability or any other characteristic trait. Such inalienable rights may not be denied to a person unless under certain conditions specifically defined by law.

He outlined the integrated set of inseparable civil, political, socio-economic and cultural human rights, ensured equal dignified treatment and the safety of any person as well the important duty of countries in respecting human rights without any discrimination due to gender, race, colour, language, faith, political opinion, ethnic origin or disability.

Dr. Farhan said countries once they have subscribed to international human rights conventions are duty bound by three basic obligations towards human rights: respecting, protecting and fulfilment. Countries should provide the means that ensure justice being administered in the event of any violation of human rights, he added.

Finally, the lecturer underscored the essential role of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) (formerly known as the UN Human Rights Committee).

The lecture was organised in partnership with the College as part of NIHR's strategic plan 2013-2016 to promote the culture of human rights among the official and civilian community components.