NHRC Acting Chairperson Justice Shri G.P. Mathur's message on the eve of Human Rights Day

Fellow countrymen, greetings to you all on the eve of Human Rights Day which is tomorrow - the 10th December. The day reminds us of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The predominant theme and spirit of this Universal Declaration is that Human rights of all should be respected, protected and promoted. All human beings are born free and are entitled to basic human rights.
The National Human Right Commission since its inception in the year 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, has evolved as a bridge between the government authorities and the people of this country in protecting and promoting human rights of all. There are enabling laws and the necessity is to know them. I call upon you to exercise your human rights guaranteed as fundamental rights under the Constitution of India, to ensure that you are not deprived of them.
I would like to say on this solemn occasion that the National Human Right Commission continues to imbibe and promote the values of humanity. During more than 16 years of its existence, the Commission has taken a number of initiatives in recommending guidelines to the government for framing policies on issues which directly impact the human rights. These include right to education, health, food and clean environment besides civil and political rights. The growing number of complaints of human rights violation to the Commission each year shows the trust the fellow countrymen have reposed in it. However, human rights violations should also be a matter of concern for the society and the system.
Ours is a multicultural and multilingual society thriving on its unity in diversity and pluralism. We have given the world the concept of 'VASUDHAIV KUTUMBAKAM' i.e. the world is one family and also the concept of 'SARVE BHAVNTU SUKHINAH' i.e., let there be happiness for all. This is also the motto of the National Human Right Commission. On behalf of the Commission, may I appeal to one and all to work for an atmosphere where there is no discrimination in the society, and the dignity of human being is not undermined.
Thank you.