New Delhi [India], December 10 (ANI): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described human rights as a philosophical and political breakthrough that every person must strive to uphold. His message, delivered on the occasion of Indian Human Rights Day by UN Resident Coordinator Areti Saianni, was read in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and NHRC Chairman Justice B Ramasubramanian at an event held at Bharat Mandapam.
Guterres noted that nearly 80 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) established the foundation for what every person needs to survive and thrive. “It was a philosophical and political breakthrough, and it has been the bedrock of our global community ever since,” the message stated.
The statement emphasized that human rights—civil, political, economic, social, and cultural—are inalienable, indivisible, and interdependent. However, recent years have seen a shrinking of civic space, grave violations of rights, and indifference to human suffering. “Together, we have the power to confront these injustices by protecting the institutions that make human rights a lived reality,” the message added.
Guterres highlighted the UN’s ongoing efforts to help people realize their basic rights, including providing food and shelter, supporting education and elections, clearing mines, defending the environment, empowering women, and striving for peace. He stressed that these efforts rely on collective action, urging everyone to protect the most vulnerable and uphold human rights against profit or power.
President Murmu, addressing the celebration organized by the National Human Rights Commission, said Human Rights Day reminds citizens that universal human rights are inalienable and form the foundation of a just, equitable, and compassionate society. “Seventy-seven years ago, the world articulated a simple yet revolutionary truth: that every human being is born free and equal in dignity and rights. India played an important role in shaping this global framework,” she stated, highlighting the vision of India’s freedom fighters for a world rooted in human dignity, equality, and justice.
Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10, commemorating the adoption of the UDHR, which enshrines the inalienable rights to which every person is entitled, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
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