New Delhi, December 10th, 2012

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, organized a special function in New Delhi to observe the Human Rights Day today. It was on this day in 1948, the General Assembly of United Nations had adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India and the Chief Guest said that the human rights assumed a global dimension with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of human rights. He recalled the advocacy of Indian leaders for human rights in pre-independence era and that this also reflected in the framing of our Constitution which also drew inspiration from the Universal Declaration.
The President said that the country has an outstanding Constitution and a plethora of sound laws and policies to uphold different dimensions of human rights. However, such an elaborate legal infrastructure to manage human rights will count for nothing if implementation is lacking in form and spirit. Good governance is the key to enforcement of rights to the people. He said that focus should be on translating our laws and Constitutional provisions into a reality for the common man.
Lauding the initiatives of the NHRC towards promotion and protection of human rights Mr. Mukherjee, called upon the government, judiciary, statutory bodies and civil society to do their utmost for the promotion and protection of human rights. He stressed that awareness of human rights must be increased by including it as a subject in school curriculum. A human rights culture should infuse our national consciousness.
Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC said that policies and programmes of governments should have a strong human rights component to ensure a truly beneficial and equitable utilization of resources for all. He said that the NHRC with its expansive range of activities can at best work as a catalyst in assisting efforts towards safeguarding the rights of common man. The contributions of governments, elected representatives, the media and society is equally crucial.
Justice Balakrishnan said that 23 States have set up State Human Rights Commissions, but it was necessary that the governments provide them with financial and man power resources to ensure their effective functioning.
On the occasion, the message of UN Secretary General was read out by Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident Coordinator. She emphasized that everyone had the right to be heard and to shape the decisions that affect their community. On such a day all should unite to defend their right with the belief that every voice counts.
Earlier, Dr. Ashok Sahu, Secretary General, NHRC welcomed all the guests and dignitaries. Highlighting the role of the NHRC, he said that it has also contributed substantially to the functioning of international organizations and human rights institutions in its pursuit of securing human rights globally.
On this occasion, a number of NHRC publications were released. These included, among others, Nai Dishayein and Manavadhikar Sanchika in Hindi, Handbook on Human Rights Conventions and a Journal in English carrying articles by eminent persons.
*****