Human Rights Day 2024
Human Rights Day is marked every year on December 10, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the immediate and practical significance of human rights in shaping our collective future.
The Significance of the UDHR
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day asserts that every individual is born free and equal, guaranteeing fundamental rights such as:
- The right to life, freedom, and security.
- Equality before the law.
- Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion, and expression.
These principles resonate deeply within India’s Constitution and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to human rights.
NHRC: The Guardian of Human Rights in India
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Collaborating with NGOs, government officials, and other stakeholders, the NHRC actively promotes awareness and influences policy-making to uphold human rights.
Key Initiatives and Focus Areas
The NHRC addresses critical issues such as:
- Child sexual abuse and the protection of vulnerable groups.
- Environmental pollution and its impact on human rights.
- Conducting assessments of conditions in shelters and prisons through Special Rapporteurs.
To further its mission, the NHRC organizes:
- Training programs for All India Services officers.
- Workshops, moot court competitions, and internships for students to foster human rights education.
Streamlined Online Complaint System
The NHRC has simplified the grievance process with its online complaint portal, enabling users to:
- File complaints seamlessly.
- Track the progress of their cases.
- Access the system via over five lakh Common Service Centers, making it more accessible to the general public.
By leveraging technology and awareness programs, the NHRC continues to uphold and advance the cause of human rights across the country.
