Human rights day is a day reserved for honoring the decision of Union Nations General Assembly to adopt UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Internationally observed on December 10 since 1950, this day is a tribute to all the human rights passed. Each year on December 10, the day is met with fabulous celebrations with political conferences and meetings around the world. Many exhibitions, debates and programs are too held to mark this day. Numerous governmental, non-governmental and civil associations take part in the eventful celebrations.
Why do We Celebrate the Human Rights Day?
Clearly, the passed rights are important for the entire human race, but why celebrate it every year on a particular day? Well, to celebrate is to spread awareness. The day brings together people from all races, castes and religions to work towards the common goals regarding social, physical, spiritual and cultural well being. The day is also deemed as an awakening call to promote the rights of people of vulnerable groups such as women, children, LGBT people, individuals from a minority group or a person with a disability. The celebrations also include shedding light on the United Nations General Assembly’s endeavours in uplifting the human life condition.
How Well Is India Doing?
While India is a developing country with a sizable rural population, the human rights run on the risk of being compromised. Keeping that in view, the government in 1993 founded the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), an autonomous public body which effectively sees promotion and protection of civilians’ rights in the country. The commission’s main agenda rests on rights related to life, equality, liberty and the dignity of a person.
Here is a list of rights enforced in India for the betterment of the society as a whole.
Right to Food:
This gained momentum after the Supreme Court passed orders to implement the same. The food bill passed in 2011 aims to subsidise food by 50% for the urban population and 75% for the rural one. The Act will provide wheat, rice, coarse grain at very minimal costs to a set of households which hover around ‘Below Poverty Line’.
Right to Education
The right was enacted by Parliament in 2009 to mandate the free education for children aged between 6-14. The NHRC makes sure that students in schools and colleges have human rights education as a compulsory part of their curriculum.
Right to Freedom of Expression
The Constitution of India allows freedom of expression where an individual is free to express his/her opinions and thoughts freely. The law also enforces open and free flow of ideas in discussions. The right also gives us the fulfillment to openly state our political beliefs and can play a better role in decision making.
Right to Freedom from Forced Labour
The right stated in the Constitution prohibits anyone from enforcing forced labour. The law also bars one from providing work under inhuman conditions.
Human rights are essentially everyone’s needs. However, at times practicing them can be hard. It is, as a human, our duty to make sure all others can exercise them freely!
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