AMN
In order to ensure protection of human rights of all Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the National Human Rights Commission has issued an Advisory to the Centre, States and Union territories. Issuing the Advisory, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has observed that many of the PVTGs have already been struggling against extinction and if COVID-19 infects them, they will not be able to survive. It said, this will be a great loss for humanity and diversity of the human race.
Some of the important recommendations are relating to creation of a special 24 X 7 helpline, conducting frequent RT-PCR testing drive, conducting sensitization and pandemic awareness programmes and vaccination of PVTGs. It said, dedicated team of doctors, nurses and paramedic staff should be deployed near PVTGs. The Commission said that all expenses for treatment of COVID-19 patients belonging to the PVTGs should be borne by the concerned State Government and Union Territories. It further added that strict guidelines should be introduced for entry and exit of outsiders where feasible in the core
areas as well as in adjacent areas inhabited by the PVTGs. It also said that implementation of all food and ration-based schemes should be ensured while keeping biometric authentication in halt or suspended mode.
NHRC has advised all the concerned authorities to implement the recommendations made in the Advisory and to submit the Action Taken Report within four weeks. NHRC has said that Secretary, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of the States and Union Territories shall submit monthly reports till the end of COVID-19 with respect to the measures taken for implementation of this advisory.