**Executive Summary**
This document is a message from the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, on the eve of Human Rights Defenders Day (December 9th). The message reaffirms the NHRC's commitment to supporting and safeguarding the rights of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in India and recognizes their crucial role. It references the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1998) and the NHRC’s 32nd Foundation Day (October 16th 2025).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Declaration of Support for HRDs:**
* NHRC reaffirms commitment to safeguard HRDs' rights and amplify their voices.
* NHRC will stand by HRDs.
* **NHRC Initiatives for HRDs:**
* Cases of HRDs, particularly women, are dealt with on priority.
* NHRC has established mechanisms like a Focal Point, dedicated email-id, and included a chapter in the Annual report for HRDs.
* Interactions and exchange of ideas at various forums and core group meetings are held to strengthen their voice.
* **Recognition and Collaboration:**
* The 28th Conference of Asia Pacific Countries produced the 'Delhi Declaration' incorporating Indian ethos.
* NHRC recognized the role of HRDs.
* NHRC held 'Open Hearings and Camp Sittings' in Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad, Telangana.
* State Governments were apprised of deliberations to ensure cooperation in the work of HRDs.
**Impact Analysis**
**Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)**
* **Impact:** The message reaffirms NHRC’s commitment to support and protect HRDs and their work. The existing mechanisms should enhance their ability to voice concerns and advocate for human rights.
* **Action Required:** Continue their work and utilize the NHRC's available resources and mechanisms for support.
**State Governments**
* **Impact:** State governments need to cooperate with the NHRC and HRDs to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights.
* **Action Required:** Ensure cooperation with HRDs and address any concerns raised during NHRC deliberations.
**Vulnerable Communities**
* **Impact:** HRDs advocate for them to be heard, the vulnerable segments are protected and the principles of human rights remain alive in our society.
* **Action Required:** Not specified.
**NHRC**
* **Impact:** Continued emphasis on Human Rights.
* **Action Required:** Maintain its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Human Rights Defenders.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The primary entity responsible for safeguarding human rights in India, as mentioned in the message.
Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: A declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1998, concerning the rights of human rights defenders.
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs): Individuals who promote and protect human rights.
Odisha: State in India where NHRC held 'Open Hearings and Camp Sittings'.
National Human Rights Commission
Message of NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V.
Ramasubramanian on the eve of Human Rights
Defenders Day
प्रव तथ: 08 DEC 2025 3:37PM by PIB Delhi
“Dear Human Rights Defenders in India and across the Globe,
As we know, on 9th December, 1998, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Declaration
on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect
Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, popularly known as ‘the Declaration
on Human Rights Defenders.’ Significantly, the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) was
adopted on the occasion of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
NHRC, India reaffirms its commitment to safeguard your rights, amplify your voices and ensure that
defenders can continue their mission without fear or favour. NHRC will stand by the Human Rights
Defenders.
On 16th October 2025, NHRC, India celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day where the Commission reiterated
its stand to support the work of HRDs, particularly the Women among them. Their cases are dealt with on
priority and mechanisms like the Focal Point for HRDs, dedicated email-id for them, a chapter in the
Annual report, interactions and exchange of ideas at various forums and in the core group meetings have
gone a long way in strengthening their voice to fight for the cause of promotion and protection of human
rights of common man, particularly the vulnerable communities. This in turn has ensured that voice of the
last man is heard and that no one is left behind.
The 28th Conference of Asia Pacific Countries brought out the ‘Delhi Declaration’ unanimously,
incorporating Indian ethos. NHRC recognised the crucial role played by Human Rights Defenders.
NHRC recently held ‘Open Hearings and Camp Sittings’ in Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad,
Telangana where it directly interacted with HRDs, civil society groups and complainants. The State
Governments were apprised of the deliberations where the States ensured cooperation in the bonafide
work of the HRDs.
The NHRC salutes your unwavering commitment to justice, equality and freedom. Your work often comes
with immense challenges, yet it is your determination that ensures that the voices of the marginalised are
heard; the vulnerable segments are protected and the principles of human rights remain alive in our
society.
Thank you and Jai Hind.”
***
NSK
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2200366) आगंतुक पटल : 422इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही , Gujarati