India, Dec. 10 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India organised a function today at Bharat Mandapam 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. The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu addressed as Chief Guest in the presence of NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Members, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, UN Resident Coordinator In-charge, Ms Areti Sianni, Chairpersons and Members of State Human Rights Commissions, members of judiciary, senior government functionaries, diplomats, human rights defenders, representatives of NGO, civil society, academia among other national and international dignitaries were present.
The President of India said the Human Rights Day is an occasion to remind us that the universal human rights are inalienable and they form the bedrock of a just, equitable and compassionate society. India played an important role in shaping a global framework of human rights. Our freedom fighters envisioned a world rooted in human dignity, equality and justice.
The President emphasised that human rights must be ensured for all, including the person in the last mile, in keeping with the philosophy of Antyodaya. She stated that each and every citizen should be an active participant in the nation's development journey towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. As citizens we have to supplement the efforts of the government to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach the last mile. Only then can development be called inclusive in the real sense. We have reminded the world that human rights cannot be divorced from development. Also, India has always adhered to the timeless truth: 'There is no peace without justice and there is no justice without peace.'
She said that the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions along with the judiciary and civil society have functioned as alert sentinels of our Constitutional conscience. She noted that over the past few years, the NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of numerous issues concerning people from the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe communities, as well as women and children. She also noted that the NHRC held extensive discussions on the subject of Human Rights of Prison Inmates during its Foundation Day celebrations this year. She expressed confidence that the discussions will yield useful results.
Smt. Murmu said that women's empowerment and their welfare are key pillars of human rights. She was happy to note that NHRC has organised a conference on women's safety in public places and workplaces. She stated that the conclusions drawn from such conferences can prove crucial in ensuring women's safety and empowerment.
She said that the NHRC gives expression to certain ideals of the State and the society. The Government of India has been translating such expressions into action on a scale never seen before. Over the last decade, we have witnessed our Nation move ahead with a different approach from entitlement to empowerment and from charity to rights. The Government has been working to ensure that every day essential services like clean water, electricity, cooking gas, healthcare, banking services, education and improved sanitation become available to all. This uplifts every household and secures dignity.
The President said that recently, the Government has notified the implementation of a major reform through the four Labour Codes related to wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety, health and working conditions. This transformative change lays the foundation for a future-ready workforce and more resilient industries.
Smt. Murmu called upon every citizen to recognise that human rights are not the sole responsibility of governments, the NHRC, civil society organisations and such other institutions. She said that protecting the rights and dignity of our fellow citizens is a shared duty. This duty rests with all of us as members of a compassionate and responsible society.
Earlier, NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian said that it is intended to prompt us to have introspection and to encourage us to redeem our pledge to promote human rights as inalienable, indivisible and interdependent human values. It is only when human rights are elevated to the level of human values that this celebration will achieve its purpose. Quoting Eleanor Roosevelt speech at the UN commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the UDHR, he emphasised that human rights begin at such places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. He called for using the Human Rights Day celebration as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the cause of protecting and promoting human rights.
On the occasion, the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, in his message, read out by the UN Resident Coordinator In-charge, Ms Areti Sianni, said that our rights should never take second place to profit or power. Let us unite to protect them for the dignity and freedom of all.
The NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, in his welcome address said that the Commission is a people's institution. It always stands with the people, especially the most vulnerable, who need it most. Collectively, we need to create an environment and ensure that everyone realises their full potential by building a just, inclusive and equitable society where every person is treated with respect and lives with dignity in daily experiences at home, in public spaces and workplaces.
On the occasion, the President also launched the NHRC Mobile App, enabling easy complaint filing, real-time tracking and access to the Commission's various IEC - Information, Education and Communication resources.
Besides, two NHRC publications were also released. These included Hindi and English Journals carrying articles by eminent experts to further deepen public understanding of human rights issues.
The Commission also organised a National Conference on 'Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All', to mark the significance of Human Rights Day.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
