Date:02/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050203180700.htm

National

Call for new human development strategies

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice Y.K. Sabharwal on Monday said the recognition of human rights was not dependent on their legalisation in the form of justifiable entitlements.

"Let us, from the realm of both executive and judiciary, measure and quantify the quantum of neglect of the basic needs of the poor," he said while flagging off a Social Justice rally to mark International Labour Day.

Organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the rally highlighted the plight of labourers in the country. Participants also submitted a memorandum about the rights' violations the labourers faced.

NALSA, in association with the Indian National Shramik Congress (a confederation of labour unions) and Shramik Referral Centre (for people infected with HIV), observed National Legal Aid Week, which ended on Monday, for the protection of labour rights. The emphasis was on `Swasth Mazdoor, Khushhaal Bharat' (Healthy worker, prosperous India).

A Nyaya Sankalp initiative supported by NALSA and UNDP was also taken up to combat trafficking and prevent HIV/AIDS among labourers and ensuring access to justice for all.