National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) began its two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for university-level students
100 students were shortlisted from 1,417 applicants
Applicants came from 29 states and union territories across the country
The programme will conclude on 29th May 2026
Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian cited the Global Peace Index 2025 showing 98 countries currently experiencing external conflicts
Global economic damage from conflicts has reached nearly 20 trillion dollars
More than 120 non-state armed groups are involved in these conflicts
Over 122 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced
In 17 countries, more than five per cent of the population are refugees or internally displaced
Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal stated the OSTI was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic
Number of internship programmes conducted annually has increased from three or four to six
Internship intake has risen from 80 to 100 students per batch
NHRC now reaches 600 students in a year through this format
The programme includes 45 sessions curated for interns
40 eminent speakers will participate including senior government officials, academicians, human rights defenders, and representatives from international organisations
Virtual tours will be conducted of a Police station, Tihar Prison and Asha Kiran Shelter Home
Programme includes interactive learning activities such as book review competitions, declamation and group research project presentations
