Protection and implementation of human rights is crucial to a democracy, Justice V S Malimath, chairperson, Law Commission of Karnataka, said on Sunday.

Speaking at a meeting of the Karnataka Human Rights Council, Justice Malimath stressed on the need to build a vibrant human rights culture and create awareness on the need to respect it. "We need to know that every human being is entitled to rights. It is vital to ensure that all people enjoy the rights they are entitled to."

He suggested that institutions should work sensitively, keeping in mind the requirements of citizens in a democracy. Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, writer Chandrashekar Patil and others were present.