“On the eve of Human Rights Day, I extend my warm greetings to all. This significant day, observed every year on 10th December since 1950, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. For India, this day holds special significance, as Indian representatives made a pivotal contribution to the drafting of this landmark document, which embodies humanity’s shared commitment to dignity, justice, and equality.

Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder that every individual is born with inalienable rights. This year’s theme—"Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now"—reinforces the belief that human rights are not just an aspiration, but a practical tool for empowering individuals and communities to build a better future. By embracing the transformative potential of human rights, we can create a world that is more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable. Now is the time to reinvigorate global action and mobilise for a future rooted in human dignity.

Today, we face complex challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, terrorism, and conflict within and beyond the boundaries of the nations, which continue to drive widespread human rights violations. Addressing these issues requires collective global action to ensure that the benefits of progress and development are equally shared by all. India has shown long before that this idea can be achieved by practicing the belief of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’, i.e., ‘the world is one family.’

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India plays a vital role in advancing human rights discourse, drawing on India’s rich civilisational ethos of empathy, compassion, and respect for human dignity. The Commission remains committed to promoting human rights both within India and across the globe, working closely with other National Human Rights Institutions, particularly in the Global South. Through its capacity building initiatives, the NHRC draws upon its extensive experience in addressing various human rights concerns over the past three decades.

On this solemn occasion of Human Rights Day, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the NHRC, India, to call upon every individual to stand up for promoting and protecting human rights culture in the country in line with the civilisational ethos of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ i.e. ‘let there be happiness for all.’

Guided by the principles of the Protection of Human Rights Act, which reflects the values and spirit of both the Constitution of India and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continue tirelessly the efforts to encourage and empower all to safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.

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NSK/VCK

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