NHRC Advocates Stronger Regional Human Rights Cooperation at First SCO Consultative Meeting in Bishkek

June 22, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India participated in the First Consultative Meeting of National Human Rights Institutions, State Bodies and other Organisations of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States responsible for the protection of human rights and freedoms, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian joined the meeting virtually, while NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal and Joint Secretary Samir Kumar were also present. The event brought together senior representatives from SCO member countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Belarus.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Ramasubramanian praised the Kyrgyz Republic for convening the first consultative meeting under its SCO Chairmanship. He described the proposal for regular interaction among national human rights institutions as timely and forward-looking, noting that it would strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding and practical cooperation in addressing contemporary socio-economic and geopolitical challenges. He emphasized the crucial role of human rights institutions in building trust between governments and citizens and promoting social stability.

The NHRC Chairperson stressed that regional cooperation should be guided by respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual consideration of national interests. He welcomed the draft protocol’s focus on information sharing, dissemination of best practices, expert cooperation and coordinated approaches to human rights issues. According to him, regular exchanges among institutions would enhance mutual learning and improve institutional effectiveness.

Justice Ramasubramanian also highlighted NHRC India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Capacity Building Programme for National Human Rights Institutions, emphasizing the importance of structured learning, dialogue and cross-border engagement in strengthening institutional capabilities.

Reaffirming NHRC India’s commitment to deeper engagement within the SCO framework, he expressed confidence that the consultative mechanism would evolve into a significant platform for cooperation, dialogue and exchange of experiences among institutions dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights.

During a separate session on future prospects for consultative cooperation within the SCO, Justice Ramasubramanian suggested organizing regular seminars, training programmes and interactions in online, offline and hybrid formats to facilitate the sharing of best practices. He noted that NHRC India, established in 1993, has handled nearly 2.37 million human rights violation cases over the past 32 years, generating valuable institutional experience that could benefit other member states.

He expressed hope that the inaugural consultative meeting would lay the foundation for a durable and practical framework of regional human rights cooperation based on mutual respect, shared experiences and a collective commitment to human dignity.