Human Rights Day in India is observed every year on 10th December- the day when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the year 1948. This milestone document was the subsequent progression of the newly formed United Nations in 1945 in the wake of World War 2. The declaration provided a framework for the protection of fundamental rights and freedom to which everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of their background.
Interestingly, the UDHR is available in more than 500 languages. It is also the most translated document in the world. The commemoration of the signing of this document every 10 December is part of a resolute effort to place human rights at the forefront of global importance.
Human Rights Day 2022 Theme
The theme for World Human Rights Day 2022 for reflection is Dignity, Freedom and Justice For All. Sadly, the same comes with a price, and it does not come easy. In the words of Paulo Coelho, “Freedom has a price, as high as the price of slavery; the only difference is that you pay with pleasure and smile, even when that smile is dimmed with tears.”
Human rights are to be fought for and that requires deliberate and conscious effort from every individual. Each and everyone of us have a role to play in building a democratic society that advocates the ideals of freedom, dignity, and justice for all. Achievement is coupled to taking responsibility.
About Human Rights Day
As stated in the United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner, starting from 10th Dec 2022, the United Nations is running a year-long campaign which will culminate on World Human Rights Day 2023. This campaign aims to promote understanding and action towards greater knowledge of the universality of the UDHR. It also presents an opportunity to showcase the relevancy and activism associated with the declaration.
A probing question that we need to ask ourselves is:
“Where do human rights come from?”
“How does it all begin?”
It begins in the four doors of our home, amid the relationships we build and nurture, amongst our neighbours, amongst a child’s early relations, the workplace of a woman, how a person less capable than one is treated and how the strong uphold and support the weak. The key is to live and let live. In this world, where discrimination, injustice and abuse are living realities for many, we must be people of courage and be open to take risks to make the change we despairingly need. Human rights abuses cannot be left unaddressed if we are to transition to a truly democratic world.
NGOs Facilitating Human Rights Day in India
There are many entities-regional and international organisations that are working relentlessly to tackle poverty and social injustice in the world. Wishes and Blessings, a New Delhi based NGO is one such organisation which has been working for the plight of the poor and vulnerable people since 2014. What started off as an organisation providing aid to visually impaired children has now expanded their services to include the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, destitute and the homeless.
Their flagship programmes such as the- Daily Meals Programme, Mann Ka Tilak old age home, Street To School Programme and the Sponsor A Childhood Programme are making a difference every day in an economically thriving yet resilient India. The urgency to uphold human rights has gained greater significance in the aftermath of the pandemic which has exacerbated all existing inequalities. Those deprived are now in an even more deprived state. The pandemic also brought to light the face of gender ubiquity.
Wishes and Blessings NGO has proven to be a sanctuary in times of crisis through projects such as the Covid Relief Project, Winter Relief Drives and many other projects pertaining to SOS Relief in times of emergencies.
How to celebrate Human Rights Day?
This Human Rights Day, let us take an opportunity to raise global awareness in support of human rights as we embrace our differences and take collective action-one for all and all for one. It is rightly said:
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free”- Fannie Lou Hamer.
Lend a hand, raise your voice, make a mark that frees the exploited, support the ones making a difference and together we can make this world a better place.
You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.
Inspirational Human Rights Day Quotes
“Human rights are not a privilege conferred by the government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity” – Mother Teresa
“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others“- Nelson Mandela
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity“- Nelson Mandela