Human Rights Day Celebrated with a call to eradicate poverty and strengthen the dignity of the poor

Human Rights Day was celebrated on December 10, 2006 with a call to eradicate poverty. Speaking at a function organized by the National Human Rights Commission in association with United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), India, at the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi the Chief Guest H.E. Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President of India said that what is needed is to make the poor strong enough so that no one exploits them. The rights of the poor are to be protected and this can only happen when we are able to make them aware of their rights. The Vice President who spoke in Hindi said what we need is the grassroot level awareness of the human rights so that a country like India with a vast population is able to distribute the fruits of development judiciously. He said dignity is the spine of human rights and the very foundation on which human rights rest. Human rights have a direct relationship with human development and, therefore, universality of human rights demands eradication of global inequities and to achieve this end the importance of "Right to Development" cannot ever be over-emphasized, the Chief Guest added.

Addressing the gathering the Acting Chairperson of NHRC Dr. Justice Shivaraj V. Patil highlighted that persistence of poverty in many parts of the world points out not only to an inequitable distribution of economic, social and political opportunities, but also to violation of Human Rights. He said violation of Human Rights is thus both a cause and consequence of poverty and poverty is not only a development goal but also a central challenge for human rights. He stressed the need for determination and dedicated efforts to prevent violation of human rights. The Chairperson said that building a world of respect for human dignity and social justice is a job - a responsibility - for everyone. Dr. Patil said there is imperative need to build and encourage Human Rights culture at all levels in all segments of society and mere words will not suffice and what we need are deeds and this will require sustained individual and collective efforts.


On the occasion Ms. Shalini Dewan, the Director of UNIC, India read out the message on behalf of the UN Secretary-General Dr. Kofi Annan.


The celebration began with rendering of an invocation by the staff of the Commission.


Eleven publications of the NHRC were released on the occasion. These include eight dossiers- specially meant for University students, two journals, and one publication in Hindi on the concept of Human Rights in Indian Culture and a desk calendar for the year 2007.


The Vice-President also gave away prizes to the winners of intercollegiate debate competition and Essay competition for school children. The winners of Para-military debate competition on human rights issues were also presented trophies on the occasion.