The national human rights commission (NHRC) has taken nearly 300 suo motu actions based on the reports of the media, chairperson, K G Balakrishnan, said on Thursday.

He was speaking at the workshop for media persons on ‘Media and Human Rights: Issues and Challenges’ on Thursday.

Lauding the media’s role in championing child rights and gender he said that a series of changes have come into force due to the intense campaigning by the media including changing the definition of rape.

“It is the duty of the media to bring the facts to the notice of people and not just raise a hue and cry over one incident,” he said.

He called media and NGO’s the antennae of the rights body.

He cautioned the media to report incidents only after verifying the facts.

Jaideep Singh Koccher, joint secretary, NHRC, stressed on the need to create a human rights culture in the country.

“We need to create a human rights culture in this country where citizens would feel secure regarding life and liberty. Where they will not be afraid of harassment by police,” he said.

“Human rights are not only about life and rights but much beyond that. The rights relate to education, health, housing hygiene and sanitation. NHRC is not only concerned with civil and political rights but all the broader aspects which make a dignified life.

He said that the role of NHRC in cases of violation of rights by public servants becomes very important.

“There is a lot of tendency in states not to acknowledge existence of bonded labour. NHRC is making efforts to sensitize the officials and DM and apprise them of their duties,” he said.