Human Rights Day | 10 Dec 2025

Source: PIB 

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, reaffirming the global commitment to dignity, equality and freedom. 

• Human Rights Day: The day was formally established in 1950 through UNGA Resolution, inviting all countries to celebrate it annually 
  • The 2025 theme is “Everyday Essentials”, focusing on access to basic services as a human right. 
• India and Human Rights: In India, human rights protection is guided by the Constitution of India and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, under which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993. 
  • The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 defines “Human Rights” as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. 
• NHRC: It is an independent statutory body, it acts as the guardian of human rights in India. It was set up in line with the Paris Principles (1991). 
  • Since inception, NHRC has registered over 23.8 lakh human rights complaints and has recommended over Rs 264 crore as relief. 
  • NHRC uses suo motu cognizance, investigations, camp sittings and policy advisories for protection of rights.