President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the National Human Rights Day celebrations organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, on 10 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
To mark the occasion, a National Conference on “Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All” will also be held at the same venue, reflecting this year’s UN Human Rights Day theme.
The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, will deliver the Keynote Address at the conference.
NHRC Emphasises the Need for Responsive Governance
The NHRC stated that responsible governance and efficient public service delivery are essential to ensuring basic amenities, justice, freedom, equality, and dignity for all.
Since its establishment in 1993, the NHRC has registered over 23.8 lakh complaints and recommended ₹264 crore in relief for victims of human rights violations.
About Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed globally on 10 December every year to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly in 1948. As a global charter for dignity, equality, and freedom, the UDHR guides worldwide efforts to uphold and protect human rights.
In alignment with these universal ideals, India’s Constitution and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 reflect the same ethos, leading to the establishment of the NHRC on 12 October 1993.
For the Commission, Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to protecting, promoting, and preserving human rights for all.
Event Highlights at Bharat Mandapam
The 2025 Human Rights Day celebrations will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including:
Government representatives
Civil society members
Academicians
Human rights defenders
Diplomats
UN officials
Experts from the field
President Droupadi Murmu will grace the ceremony in the presence of NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Commission members, and other dignitaries.
National Conference on Human Rights & Public Services
This year’s theme — “Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All” — emphasises that human rights are not abstract aspirations but part of daily life, shaping quality of life through access to:
Healthcare
Education
Housing
Justice
Financial inclusion
Social security
The conference will have two key sessions:
Basic Amenities for All: A Human Rights Perspective
Ensuring Public Services and Dignity for All
Senior government officials and leading experts will discuss India’s ongoing initiatives and remaining gaps in ensuring universal access to essential services.
India’s Progress in Ensuring Basic Services
In recent years, India has made significant progress through programmes such as:
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Jal Jeevan Mission
Swachh Bharat Mission
Ujjwala Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Ayushman Bharat
National Education Policy
Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana
Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme
However, the NHRC noted that continued effort is required to ensure accessibility, awareness, and accountability so that no citizen is left behind.
NHRC’s Broad Impact
The NHRC’s work extends beyond complaint redressal to systemic reforms, including:
Reviews of laws and policies
Thematic consultations
Research initiatives on issues such as child rights, mental health, environment, and labour welfare
National conferences and open-house discussions to strengthen human rights governance
The Commission also conducts:
Capacity-building for civil servants, police officers, and students
Training programmes, workshops, moot courts, and internships
ITEC-supported international training for NHRI officials from Global South countries
Four such programmes have been conducted so far, including two recently with 78 senior officers from 23 countries
Digital Expansion: HRCNet Portal
The NHRC has expanded digital access through its HRCNet Portal, which:
Connects state authorities
Allows citizens to file complaints and track their status in real time
Is integrated with five lakh+ Common Service Centres and the National Government Services Portal, enhancing transparency and accessibility
Publications to Be Released
On Human Rights Day, the NHRC will release several human rights publications to promote broader public awareness.
