Human Rights Day

Why in News ?

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December, marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948.
The day reaffirms the global commitment to dignity, equality, justice, and freedom for all. The 2025 theme, “Everyday Essentials”, highlights access to basic services as a fundamental human right.

Background & Context

• The UDHR, drafted in the aftermath of World War II, was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948.
  It is considered one of the most influential documents in modern human rights discourse.
• Human Rights Day was formally established in 1950 when the UNGA urged all nations to commemorate the adoption of the UDHR annually.
• Although the UDHR is not legally binding, it has shaped:
  • modern constitutions
  • global human rights treaties
  • domestic jurisprudence
• civil liberties movements across the world
• The global conversation on human rights now encompasses digital rights, environmental justice, gender equality, refugees’ rights, and socio-economic entitlements, complementing the core civil and political rights laid out in the UDHR.

Human Rights Day: Key Highlights

Origin

• Observed every year on 10 December.
• Established through UNGA Resolution (1950).
• Celebrates the legacy and ideals of the UDHR, a universal commitment to fundamental freedoms.

Theme 2025 — “Everyday Essentials”

• Emphasises basic rights such as:
  • clean drinking water
  • health services
  • housing & sanitation
  • education
  • food and livelihood
• Positions these as non-negotiable human rights, not privileges.

Human Rights Framework in India

Constitutional Foundation

Human rights in India derive primarily from:

• Fundamental Rights (Part III): Right to equality, liberty, life and personal liberty, freedoms, protection against discrimination.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Promote welfare, education, health, environment, and equal opportunity.

Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

• Defines Human Rights as rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution or international covenants enforceable by Indian courts.
• Provides statutory backing for the creation of:
  • National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
  • State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs)
  • Human Rights Courts at district level

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

About NHRC

• An independent statutory body created under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• Functions in accordance with Paris Principles (1991) — the global standards for National Human Rights Institutions.

Mandate

• Investigates complaints of human rights violations.
• Takes suo motu cognizance of incidents.
• Conducts research, field investigations, camp sittings.
• Advises governments on human-rights-friendly policies.
• Promotes awareness and human rights literacy.

Achievements

• Since 1993, NHRC has:
  • Registered 23.8 lakh+ complaints
  • Recommended Rs 264 crore+ as monetary relief to victims
  • Undertaken major inquiries into custodial violence, bonded labour, trafficking, environmental hazards, and rights of vulnerable groups

Significance of Human Rights Day

• Reinforces India’s constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
• Encourages governments to uphold accountability and transparency.
• Promotes awareness among citizens about their rights and duties.
• Highlights the importance of socio-economic and digital rights in a rapidly changing world.