6th December, 2013

Human Rights Day is observed on the 10th December every year to bring to the attention of the people of world towards the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the common standard of achievement. The Declaration is recognition of the fact that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world and reaffirmation of faith of the people of United Nations in the fundamental human rights.

The theme of this year's Human Rights Day - "20 years: working for your rights" marks the 20th anniversary of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) with the emphasis on the future and identifying the challenges that lie ahead towards protection and promotion of human rights.

The National Human Rights Commission of India will observe Human Rights Day by organising a programme in New Delhi on the 10th December, 2013, which will be addressed by Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India. He would also be releasing some NHRC publications on human rights issues for spreading awareness. A photo and children's painting exhibition will be mounted to highlight the various events and activities of the NHRC in its journey towards protection and promotion of human rights since the last Human Rights Day.

During the last 20 years, the Commission has endeavoured to promote a culture of human rights. The Commission has earned the trust and confidence of the people in substantial measure given the number of complaints it has been receiving each year. The Commission disposed of more than 12 lakh 70 thousand cases till the 30th November, 2013 out of more than 12 lakh 99 thousand cases registered by it either suo motu or on complaints or on intimation by the prison and police authorities.

Its functions also include reviewing safeguards provided under the Constitution or any Law, make recommendations for effective implementation of International Conventions/Covenants, undertake research and organise seminars and discussion programmes on human rights issues, spread human rights awareness and encourage efforts of non-governmental organisations. It has also been organising Camp Sittings and Open Hearings on complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in different parts of the country for redressal their problems. It has also been visiting 28 select districts, one in each State with a view to spread human rights awareness and also to make an assessment of enforcement of various measures related to human rights and implementation of welfare schemes.

It has made a number of interventions on key issues of human rights, which include, among others, issues of bonded and child labour, prison reforms, right to health, mental healthcare, rights of persons with disability, silicosis, illegal clinical drug trials, pricing of drugs, corporate-social responsibility.

In order to spread awareness about human rights and its activities, the Commission, apart from publication of monthly Newsletter in Hindi and English, has published more than 40 books and journals. Several organisations, NGOs and media have actively supported the NHRC for achieving its goals.

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