Every year, Human Rights Day is commemorated on December 10 by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). This globally acknowledged day serves as a reminder of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948. For seven decades now, the UDHR has acted as a standard to ensure the protection of human rights worldwide. Celebrations on this special day also include the awarding of the United Nations Prize for Human Rights, instituted in 1966.
What Does The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Imply?
Under UNGA resolution 217 A, the UDHR was proclaimed in Paris to protect fundamental human rights universally. The declaration acknowledges that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, emphasizing brotherhood among individuals. It guarantees everyone many rights and freedoms, including the right against arbitrary arrest, detention or exile, and slavery in any form. The UDHR establishes that every individual possesses the right to seek asylum from prosecution, the right to freedom of movement and residence, among others. Although the UDHR is not a treaty, it represents the fundamental values shared by the international community.
The Centrality of Human Rights to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Human rights are crucial to achieving SDGs. Without guaranteeing human dignity, sustainable development cannot be achieved. Progress in human rights and the SDGs are interdependent. The core rights listed in the Constitution of India are divided into two parts: The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, the NHRC comprises a Chairperson who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, individuals with expertise or practical experience in human rights, and Chairpersons of four National Commissions (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women and Minorities). The NHRC is a recommendatory body with powers akin to a civil court. Despite having the authority to suo moto cognizance of human rights violation cases, it cannot entertain cases that are more than a year old.
Facts about Human Rights
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Rights Day | Commemorated every year on December 10 |
| Universal Declaration of Human Rights | Adopted by UNGA in 1948 |
| National Human Rights Commission | Established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act |
The Role of NHRC and the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018
NHRC not only looks into complaints of human rights violations but also assesses safeguards provided under the Constitution or any law. It recommends actions for effective implementation of International Conventions and Covenants, conducts research, and organises seminars on human rights issues. In the Lok Sabha, the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced to revise the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
This amendment will not just broaden the eligibility criteria and scope for the NHRC chairperson’s selection, but also empower the Secretary-General and Secretary with more administrative and financial Powers. It aims to strengthen the NHRC and State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to enable their effective functioning in line with internationally agreed standards and benchmarks related to their independence, autonomy, pluralism, and functions. This will further ensure the effective protection and promotion of human rights in India.