The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today organised a function at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to celebrate Human Rights Day in commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on this day in 1948 by the United Nations. Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Smt Droupadi Murmu said that the celebration of Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals enshrined in the UDHR and reaffirm our collective resolve to contribute to building a world where justice and human dignity are the bedrock of society.

She said that India today stands as a shining example where great initiatives are being taken by the government for poverty alleviation, the eradication of hunger by providing free food to the underprivileged and offering equal opportunities to youth to realise their dreams. The government also guarantees a number of socio-economic and cultural rights for all, from housing, clean drinking water, improved sanitation, electricity, cooking gas and financial services to healthcare and education. It is notable that the provision of basic necessities is seen as a right.

She commended the NHRC and SHRCs along with civil society, human rights defenders, Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors in addressing violations, raising awareness, and recommending policy changes to uphold the rights of the marginalised.

Referring to the emerging challenges in the future, the President said that cybercrimes and climate change are new threats to human rights. The digital era, while being transformative, has also brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deepfakes, privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation. These challenges underscore the importance of fostering a safe, secure, and equitable digital environment that protects the rights and dignity of every individual.

She also said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now entered our day-to-day life, solving many problems and creating several new ones too. The human rights discourse so far has been centred on the human agency, that is, the violator is assumed to be a human being who would have a range of human emotions such as compassion and guilt. However, with AI, the culprit could be a non-human but intelligent agent. This needs to be pondered upon.

In the context of the challenges posed by climate change, Smt Murmu said that this issue too forces us to review the human rights thinking at the global level. Polluters of a different place and a different era are affecting the lives of people in another place and another period. India, as the voice of the Global South, has rightly taken up the leadership in climate action. The government’s initiatives, such as the 2022 Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, the Green Credit Initiative, and the Lifestyle for Environment, or LiFE, Movement, are clear demonstrations of India’s commitment to building a clean and green planet for future generations.

The President said that India has an elderly population of around 150 million by 2022 and is projected to reach 350 million by 2050. It is imperative that we formulate policies and take measures that preserve their dignity and ensure their well-being, empowering them to live full lives as valuable members of our society.

Smt Murmu said that in recent years, mental health has also become a critical issue, especially for our children and youth. I am glad to note that the NHRC has recognised the gravity of the issue. She appealed to all stakeholders to initiate adequate measures to reduce the stress affecting our children and youth. She urged industry and business leaders to ensure that the growing gig economy does not adversely impact the mental health of gig workers. As we adopt new economic models, we must ensure that the well-being of all individuals, especially those in vulnerable sectors, remains our priority. We must all work towards removing any stigma associated with mental illness, creating awareness and helping those in need.

Earlier, NHRC, India Acting Chairperson, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani said that Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder of the fundamental rights inherent to every individual, irrespective of their identity or background. Globally, we are witnessing an escalation in conflicts, leading to the displacement of millions and creating severe humanitarian crises affecting vulnerable and low-income communities.

She said that in this era of rapid change and complex social dynamics, the role of the NHRC, India has never been more critical. We remain committed to advocating for the rights of marginalised communities through significant national and international initiatives, striving to build a society where everyone can enjoy their fundamental freedoms, free from fear or discrimination.

On the occasion, the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, in his message, read out by Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said that this year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now. All human rights are indivisible. Whether economic, social, civic, cultural or political, when one right is undermined, all rights are undermined. We must stand up for all rights — always. UN Resident Coordinator in India also lauded India as a champion of human rights and its outreach to the Global South for cooperation.

The NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal in his welcome address said that the Indian Constitution imbibes the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and our governance is guided by the principle of Antyodaya—uplifting the last and the least. NHRC, India plays the role of a conscience keeper on behalf of and for the citizen. We are steadfast in our resolve to ensure no one is left behind and that the most vulnerable sections of society enjoy the same privileges as others.

He highlighted some recent initiatives and activities of the Commission towards promoting and protecting human rights. These included advisories bringing to attention the plight of the smaller and more vulnerable groups, core group meetings on themes like human rights defenders, business and human rights, health and mental health, visits by Special Rapporteurs and Monitors to shelter homes, prisons, schools, and other institutions, conferences, open house discussions, and meetings with stakeholders to address the needs of vulnerable groups, national symposium on women's safety, and a national conference on the rights of older persons, capacity building programme for the NHRIs of the Global South and SHRC of Arunachal Pradesh, among others.

On the occasion, three NHRC publications were also issued. These included Hindi and English Journals carrying scholarly articles on human rights issues by the experts, and a book titled Advisories issued by the NHRC to protect human rights.

Members of State Human Rights Commissions, members of Judiciary, diplomats, NHRC senior officers, Special Rapporteur & Monitors, senior government functionaries, civil society representatives, human rights defenders, among other national and international dignitaries attended the function.

The Commission marking the significance of Human Rights Day is also organising a National Conference on Mental Wellbeing: Navigating stress from classroom to workplace.

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NSK/VCK