Every year on 10th December, the world observes Human Rights Day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Human Rights Day 2025 reinforces the universal commitment to protecting the dignity, liberty, and equality of every individual, regardless of nationality, class, gender, or identity. Governments, civil society, academic institutions, and communities come together to organize campaigns and discussions that deepen awareness about fundamental rights and the responsibilities that accompany them.
International Human Rights Day 2025 Theme
The theme for 2025—“Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”
- It reminds us that human rights are not abstract principles reserved for institutions or legal texts.
- Rather, they are the foundation of daily life, shaping how individuals work, express themselves, make choices, and live with dignity.
- The theme underscores the importance of consistent respect and protection of rights in homes, workplaces, digital spaces, and public life.
- It calls on citizens and governments to embed human rights in everyday practices, ensuring fairness, justice, and inclusion.
History of Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day has a long global legacy anchored in the world’s efforts to prevent oppression and safeguard freedoms.
The events leading to its observance include,
- 1948: The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly, becoming the first global framework outlining the rights and freedoms of all human beings.
- 1950: The UN formally declared 10th December as Human Rights Day, encouraging all nations to celebrate and spread awareness.
Since then, the day has evolved into a global movement encouraging dialogue, legal reforms, cultural change, and civic action in the pursuit of justice and equality.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The UDHR remains one of the most influential documents in human history. Adopted on 10 December 1948, it sets out 30 articles defining the rights every individual must enjoy.
Key rights include,
- Equality and freedom from discrimination
- Right to life, liberty, and personal security
- Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression
- Right to education, work, and adequate living standards
- Right to participate in governance, access justice, and seek remedies for violations
The UDHR laid the foundation for numerous international treaties, national constitutions, and human rights institutions worldwide.
Human Rights in India: Constitutional Foundations
India’s Constitution is one of the world’s strongest legal frameworks for the protection of human rights. It embeds principles of dignity, equality, justice, and individual liberty through various provisions.
Preamble
- The Preamble describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, committed to securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens. These values form the moral basis of human rights protection in the country.
Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35)
The Constitution guarantees essential rights such as,
- Equality before law
- Prohibition of discrimination
- Freedom of speech, movement, and profession
- Protection of life and personal liberty (Article 21)
- Rights against exploitation and arbitrary detention
- These rights are enforceable by the courts, making them powerful tools for human rights enforcement.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38–51)
These guidelines mandate the State to promote,
- Social, economic, and political justice
- Equal pay for equal work
- Humane working conditions
- A decent standard of life
- Promotion of education and child welfare
- Though not justiciable, they guide policymaking and welfare legislation.
Universal Adult Franchise (Articles 325–326)
- These provisions guarantee political equality, enabling every adult citizen to participate in democratic processes.
Safeguards for Minorities (e.g., Arts. 244, 244A)
- India has constitutional mechanisms to protect tribal, linguistic, and religious minorities, ensuring cultural autonomy and developmental support.
India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC plays a central role in monitoring and promoting human rights across the country.
Its major functions include,
- Investigating complaints of human rights violations
- Monitoring detention centers, prisons, and juvenile homes
- Recommending policy reforms to strengthen rights protections
- Conducting public awareness campaigns and training programs
- Advising the government on compliance with national and international human rights standards
- NHRC acts as a bridge between citizens and the State, ensuring accountability and proactive protection.
Importance of Human Rights Awareness
Human rights awareness is essential for building a just and inclusive society. It,
- Empowers individuals to protect themselves from injustice, exploitation, and discrimination
- Safeguards vulnerable groups such as women, children, minorities, and the marginalized
- Promotes social harmony by encouraging mutual respect and reducing conflict
- Strengthens democracy by enabling active citizen participation and accountability
- Encourages responsible citizenship grounded in ethics and respect for others
- Supports access to justice, helping individuals seek legal remedies when rights are violated
Key Takeaways
- Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on 10 December.
- Theme 2025: Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials.
- Marks the adoption of the UDHR (1948).
- First observed globally in 1950.
- UDHR outlines universal rights including equality, liberty, education, and justice.
- Indian Constitution protects rights through Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Minority safeguards, and Universal Adult Franchise.
- NHRC monitors and promotes human rights in India.