New Delhi: President of India, Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the Human Rights Day celebration, organised by the National Human Rights Commission, in New Delhi today (December 10, 2024).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India, with its civilisational heritage spanning over 5,000 years, has long upheld values of empathy, compassion, and the inter-connectedness of individuals within a harmonious community.
Based on these values, institutions such as the NHRC and SHRCs along with civil society, human rights defenders, special rapporteurs and special monitors, have been working to ensure the protection of human rights for all.
She appreciated the proactive role played by the NHRC in addressing violations, raising awareness and recommending policy changes to uphold the rights of the marginalised.
The President said that India is steadfast in its commitment to guaranteeing to all the citizens, the civic and political rights. The Government also guarantees a number of socio-economic and cultural rights, spanning from providing housing, clean drinking water, improved sanitation, electricity, cooking gas and financial services to healthcare and education for all. The provision of basic necessities is seen as a matter of rights.
The President said that as we progress into the future, we are confronted with emerging challenges. Cybercrimes and climate change are new threats to human rights.
The digital era, while transformative, has brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deepfake, privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation.
These challenges underscore the importance of fostering a safe, secure, and equitable digital environment that protects the rights and dignity of every individual.