Human Rights Day 2024: Rights, Future, and Global Challenges

Historical Context and Significance

• Human Rights Day observed annually on December 10 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• Adopted by UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948
• Drafted by an international committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt
• Outlines 30 articles defining civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights
• Established as an official UN observance in 1950
• Fundamental document proclaiming inalienable rights for all individuals
• Transcends boundaries of race, religion, gender, language, and nationality

Theme and Purpose for 2024

• Official theme: "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now"

Key objectives of Human Rights Day:

• • Promote awareness about universal human rights
  • Encourage global advocacy against injustices
  • Foster unity across cultural and geographical divides
  • Inspire policy changes and institutional reforms
• Highlights practical importance of human rights in contemporary society
• Emphasizes empowerment of marginalized groups
• Calls for action against discrimination and oppression

Contemporary Challenges and Emerging Perspectives

New threats to human rights identified by President Droupadi Murmu:

• • Cyber crimes
  • Climate change
  • Artificial Intelligence implications
• Expanded concept of human security beyond traditional understanding

Seven modern security dimensions:

1.  Economic security

2.  Food security

3.  Health security

4.  Environmental security

5.  Personal security

6.  Community security

7.  Political security

Digital era challenges:

• • Cyberbullying
  • Deep fake technologies
  • Privacy concerns
  • Misinformation spread

India's role in global human rights discourse:

• • Multi-alignment diplomatic approach
  • Leadership in international organizations
  • Constitutional commitment to human rights
  • Soft power diplomacy

NHRC's active initiatives:

• • Online complaint system
  • Training programs
  • Awareness workshops
  • Special rapporteur assessments

Observance Activities:

• Conferences and educational campaigns
• Art exhibits and cultural performances
• Social media engagement
• School and university discussions
• Global platform for human rights advocacy