In India, Human Rights Day is marked by various activities aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.
The existence of Human Rights Day came into effect when the United Nations Assembly adopted the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was the first global enactment for human rights. All over the world, many people are renowned and some are anonymous whether in groups, organizations, or alone working towards the campaign of Human Rights to end discrimination. Many governmental and non-governmental organizations also actively participate in various activities of Human Rights Day so that people everywhere in the world learn about their Human Rights.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaims the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Human Rights Day promotes and spreads awareness about the following articles under UDHR:
- All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
- Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms outlined in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
- Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
- No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
- Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
- All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
- Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
- No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.
- Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
- Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
- Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
- Schools, colleges, and universities often organize seminars, workshops, and lectures to educate students about human rights and their significance.
- NGOs and human rights organizations conduct campaigns to raise awareness about human rights issues and advocate for the protection of rights.
- Forums and panel discussions are held to discuss contemporary human rights challenges and the measures needed to address them.
- Exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural performances are organized to highlight human rights themes and issues.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India and other governmental bodies often release statements and reports on the status of human rights in the country, and may also launch initiatives to strengthen human rights protections.
Click Here, for the Complete Document and Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 380 languages including English.Human Rights Day in India
In India, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been constituted under the Human Rights Act 1993. This has been a milestone in the promotion and protection of human rights in Indian society. In India the celebration of Human Rights Day on December 10, allows us to judge the accountability to human rights standards. The day is also celebrated to promote universal human rights: to live and to do so peacefully.Human Rights issues in India relate to the trafficking of women and children, food security, right to education and health, the disappearance of persons, displacement of persons due to disasters, conflicts, and development, child labor, custodial deaths, violation of Human Rights in prisons and the disabled, etc. On these issues, the Commission is not only dealing with individual cases but also issuing policy guidelines for implementing agencies.
Legends
When discussing legends in the context of Human Rights Day in India, we can highlight prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. Here are some legendary individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on human rights in India:
1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Contribution: Known as the father of the nation, Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. His efforts were crucial in India's struggle for independence from British rule, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and rights.
Legacy: Gandhi's principles continue to influence human rights movements globally.
2. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956)
Contribution: A social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar was a fierce advocate for the rights of the marginalized, especially the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables). He worked tirelessly to eliminate caste discrimination and promote social equality.
Legacy: Ambedkar's work laid the foundation for the legal framework protecting human rights in India.
3. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Contribution: An Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, which runs hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Her selfless service to the poor and sick earned her global recognition.
Legacy: She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and her work continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)
Contribution: India's first Prime Minister and a key figure in India's independence movement, Nehru played a pivotal role in shaping modern India's political and social landscape. He emphasized the importance of secularism, democracy, and human rights in the newly independent nation.
Legacy: Nehru's vision for India as a secular and democratic republic laid the groundwork for the country's commitment to human rights.
5. Kailash Satyarthi (b. 1954)
Contribution: A child rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Satyarthi has dedicated his life to fighting against child labor and advocating for children's rights. He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), which has rescued thousands of children from exploitation.
Legacy: Satyarthi's work has brought international attention to the plight of child laborers and the need for global action to protect children's rights.
To read about this article in Hindi click here