NHRC reaffirms commitment to dignity and equality on Human Rights Day
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: Marking the eve of Human Rights Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India reiterated its commitment to safeguarding dignity, justice and equality for all, highlighting the nation’s historic role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the relevance of this year’s global theme: “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials.”
The message by NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice V Ramasubramanian on the eve of Human Rights Day (Dec 9).
India’s role in shaping the UDHR highlighted
Officials underscored that Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December since 1950, commemorates the adoption of the UDHR by the United Nations in 1948. India’s contribution to framing this landmark document was emphasised, with its principles seen as aligned with the country’s civilisational values of empathy, dignity and justice.
Theme emphasises rights as daily necessities
Reflecting on the 2024 theme, the Commission stated that human rights must be viewed as essential elements of daily life rather than distant ideals. These rights—freedom of expression, equality, safety, dignity—form the bedrock of human agency and collective wellbeing, the Commission noted.
Global crises pose new tests to human rights
The NHRC warned that contemporary challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, conflict and terrorism continue to strain global commitments to justice and equality. Such issues, it said, call for sustained international cooperation and solidarity across societies and generations.
NHRC’s work rooted in India’s ethical traditions
The Commission highlighted its ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights protections within India and its advocacy across international platforms, especially the Global South. Over three decades, its work in outreach, research and capacity-building has aimed to protect vulnerable communities and promote a culture of human dignity.
Call for public participation and moral responsibility
On this occasion, the NHRC urged citizens to uphold and defend human rights in everyday life, invoking the ethos of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—a call for universal wellbeing. The Commission affirmed that its mission continues to be guided by the Protection of Human Rights Act, the Constitution of India, and the values enshrined in the UDHR.
