President Murmu highlights emerging human rights challenges on Human Rights Day

New Delhi: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the Human Rights Day celebration organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, emphasizing India’s commitment to safeguarding human rights amidst emerging challenges like cybercrime and climate change.

India’s civilizational values guide human rights commitment

President Murmu highlighted India’s 5,000-year-old heritage rooted in empathy, compassion, and community harmony. She praised institutions like the NHRC, SHRCs, and civil society organizations for their proactive roles in protecting the rights of marginalized groups, raising awareness, and advocating for policy reforms.

Ensuring basic necessities as fundamental rights

The President reaffirmed India’s dedication to civic, political, socio-economic, and cultural rights, citing government efforts to provide housing, sanitation, electricity, healthcare, education, and other essential services. She underscored that these provisions reflect India’s view of basic necessities as inherent human rights.

Confronting modern threats: Cybercrime and climate change

President Murmu shed light on the challenges posed by the digital era, including cyberbullying, privacy concerns, deepfakes, and misinformation. She stressed the need for creating a secure digital ecosystem to uphold individual dignity and rights.

Addressing climate change, the President noted its far-reaching impact on human rights and emphasized India’s leadership in global climate action through initiatives like the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, Green Credit Initiative, and the LiFE Movement.

Artificial Intelligence: A new paradigm in human rights

The President remarked on the complexities AI introduces to human rights discourse, with intelligent agents potentially becoming violators. This shift challenges traditional frameworks that assume human agency behind rights violations.

Mental health: A growing concern for youth and workers

President Murmu raised concerns about the mental health of children, youth, and gig economy workers. She urged business leaders to ensure fair practices in the gig economy and appealed to stakeholders to destigmatize mental illness, enhance awareness, and provide adequate support systems.

A renewed commitment to justice and equality

On Human Rights Day, President Murmu called for a collective recommitment to justice, equality, and dignity. She encouraged sustained efforts to ensure no one is left behind, fostering a future where every individual leads a life of dignity and fulfillment.

She concluded by asserting, “Together, through solidarity and determination, we can address the challenges of our time and build a better future for all.”