Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power- THE HINDU - 10/02/2020

According to Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power:

Victims

“Victims” means persons who, individually or collectively, have suffered harm, including physical or mental injury, emotional suffering, economic loss or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights, through acts or omissions that are in violation of criminal laws operative within Member States.

The UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1985.

It is not a legally binding document, but the Declaration can be used as a benchmark for measuring State practice in relation to victims’ rights.

The Declaration requires that the views and concerns of victims should be allowed and considered at all appropriate stages without prejudice to the accused.

It sets out basic principles of treatment for crime victims, based on compassion and respect for human dignity.

The Declaration urges access to judicial and administrative processes, restitution, compensation and assistance for victims.

India is a signatory.