New Delhi, December 10, 2025: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, commemorated Human Rights Day with a grand function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every individual.
Addressing a distinguished gathering that included members of the judiciary, senior government officials, diplomats, human rights defenders, and representatives from civil society, President Murmu said that universal human rights are inalienable and form the bedrock of a just, equitable, and compassionate society. She emphasised that India has played a pivotal role in shaping global human rights frameworks, with its freedom fighters championing dignity, justice, and equality.
Human Rights for All in the Spirit of Antyodaya
The President highlighted the importance of ensuring human rights for every individual, especially those at the last mile. She stressed that development initiatives must reach the most vulnerable communities to truly embody the principle of inclusivity. She reiterated India’s belief that peace and justice are inseparable, echoing the timeless truth: “There is no peace without justice and no justice without peace.”
Institutions as Custodians of Constitutional Conscience
Smt Murmu praised the NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions, the judiciary, and civil society for functioning as vigilant sentinels of India’s Constitutional conscience. She noted NHRC’s proactive efforts in addressing issues concerning Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, women, children, and prison inmates.
Women’s empowerment, she said, remains central to human rights protection. She appreciated NHRC’s recent conference on women’s safety, underscoring its potential to drive impactful policies for safer environments at workplaces and public spaces.
The President also highlighted that over the last decade, India has moved from an approach of entitlement to empowerment, ensuring essential services—clean water, electricity, healthcare, education, sanitation—reach all citizens, uplifting households and enhancing dignity.
Government Reforms & Labour Codes
Referring to the government’s recent notification on the implementation of four Labour Codes, the President said the reforms would create a future-ready workforce, ensure social security, and improve occupational safety.
Launch of NHRC Mobile App
During the event, the President launched the NHRC Mobile App, designed to make human rights complaint filing easier with streamlined features like real-time tracking and access to IEC resources. Two NHRC publications, including Hindi and English journals on human rights issues, were also released.
Messages from NHRC & United Nations
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian urged citizens to rededicate themselves to protecting human rights, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt’s reminder that human rights begin in “small places, close to home.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message read out by UN Resident Coordinator Ms Areti Sianni, called for prioritising human rights over profit or power.
The event also included a national conference on Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All, emphasising the importance of accessible and equitable public services.
