President Murmu Highlights Justice Equality and Dignity at Human Rights Day Celebration
President Murmu Highlights Justice, Equality, and Dignity at Human Rights Day Celebration. On December 10, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the Human Rights Day celebration organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi. Her powerful speech emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens.
President Murmu Highlights Justice Equality and Dignity at Human Rights Day Celebration
India’s Heritage of Human Rights
President Murmu began by reflecting on India’s 5,000-year-old civilizational heritage. She spoke of how empathy, compassion, and the interconnectedness of individuals have been the foundation of Indian society.
- Values That Define Us: India’s legacy of harmonious living fosters respect for human rights.
- Role of Institutions: The NHRC, State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs), civil society, and human rights defenders play key roles in safeguarding these rights.
- Protecting the Marginalized: The President appreciated NHRC’s proactive role in addressing violations and recommending policy changes.
Civic and Socio-Economic Rights: A Government Priority
President Murmu highlighted India’s steadfast focus on guaranteeing civic, political, and socio-economic rights for all citizens.
- Key Rights Ensured:
- Housing for the underprivileged
- Access to clean drinking water and sanitation
- Electricity and clean cooking gas for households
- Financial inclusion through banking services
- Affordable healthcare and education
The President stressed that access to basic necessities is not just government policy but a matter of human rights.
Emerging Challenges to Human Rights
President Murmu drew attention to new challenges in the digital era and the global climate crisis. These emerging issues require immediate action to safeguard human rights.
1. Cybercrimes and Digital Challenges
The President emphasized that while technology is transformative, it also brings complex issues such as:
- Cyberbullying
- Spread of misinformation
- Privacy breaches
- Deepfake technology
She stressed the need to create a safe and equitable digital environment that protects every individual’s dignity and rights.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
President Murmu addressed the unique challenges posed by AI. Unlike traditional human violators, AI lacks compassion and emotions such as guilt.
- Human Rights and AI: AI solutions must be developed responsibly to prevent harm to individuals.
- Non-Human Agents: Policies must account for the risks AI poses to human rights in areas like employment, privacy, and ethical governance.
3. Climate Change: A Global Responsibility
The President emphasized that climate change demands a global shift in human rights thinking. Those responsible for environmental damage may be from different regions or eras, yet the consequences impact present and future generations.
- India’s Leadership in Climate Action:
- Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022
- Green Credit Initiative
- Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement
India’s leadership in these initiatives reflects its commitment to ensuring a clean, green planet for future generations, especially as a voice of the Global South.
Mental Health: A Growing Concern
President Murmu highlighted mental health as a critical issue, especially for youth and gig economy workers.
- Stress Among Youth: Rising stress levels among children and youth must be addressed through:
- Awareness campaigns
- Stress management programs
- Removing the stigma around mental illnesses
- Impact of the Gig Economy: Business leaders were urged to ensure that gig workers’ mental health is not compromised. As new economic models emerge, prioritizing the well-being of workers is essential.
Renewing Commitment to Justice, Equality, and Dignity
The President urged everyone to renew their collective commitment to upholding the core values of justice, equality, and dignity.
- Leave No One Behind: President Murmu stressed that every individual, regardless of age, background, or circumstances, must be empowered to lead a life of dignity.
- Sustained Efforts: Through solidarity and continuous efforts, society can ensure that no person is denied their fundamental rights.
Role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The NHRC, as India’s apex human rights body, plays a pivotal role in protecting and promoting human rights across the country.
- Addressing Violations: NHRC actively works to address complaints related to human rights violations.
- Awareness Programs: By conducting awareness campaigns, NHRC educates citizens about their rights and responsibilities.
- Policy Recommendations: The commission recommends critical changes to policies to better protect the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.
President Murmu praised NHRC for its consistent efforts to address emerging challenges while upholding India’s democratic and constitutional values.
Key Highlights of the Speech
Here are some major takeaways from the President’s address:
- Heritage of Human Rights: India’s values of compassion and interconnectedness define its approach to human rights.
- Government Commitment: Socio-economic rights are being realized through housing, education, healthcare, and sanitation initiatives.
- Digital Challenges: Cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and misinformation must be tackled to create a safer digital space.
- Climate Action: India’s leadership in global climate initiatives reaffirms its role in protecting the environment.
- Mental Health Awareness: Mental well-being, especially for youth and gig workers, must be prioritized through awareness and support systems.
- Collective Responsibility: On Human Rights Day, society must renew its efforts to ensure justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Conclusion
President Murmu’s address on Human Rights Day was a call to action for all stakeholders – government, civil society, business leaders, and individuals – to work together to protect and uphold human rights. By addressing emerging challenges such as digital threats, AI risks, climate change, and mental health, India is taking proactive steps to secure the rights and dignity of every citizen.
As President Murmu stated, “Through sustained effort and solidarity, we can build a future where every individual is empowered to lead a life of dignity, opportunity, and fulfilment.”
This Human Rights Day, let us collectively renew our commitment to justice, equality, and dignity – the core values that define India as a nation.
