President Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Human Rights Day function, to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on December 10. The event will bring together government officials, diplomats, civil society members, human rights defenders and experts.
The NHRC is also organising a National Conference on the theme “Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All,” aligned with this year’s UN Human Rights Day theme, “Everyday Essentials.” Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, will deliver the keynote address.
The Commission said the theme highlights the importance of essential public services—such as healthcare, education, housing, justice, and social protection—in ensuring dignity and equality. It noted that responsive governance and efficient service delivery are key to fulfilling constitutional guarantees of justice, liberty, equality and dignity.
Officials will discuss access to basic amenities in two sessions titled “Basic Amenities to All: A Human Rights Approach” and “Ensuring Public Services and Dignity for All.” Senior government officials and domain experts are expected to participate.
The NHRC said India has expanded access to essential services in recent years through initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and the Aspirational Districts Programme. However, it stressed the need for continued efforts to address gaps in access, awareness and accountability.
Since its establishment in 1993, the NHRC has registered more than 23.8 lakh cases and recommended ₹264 crore in relief for victims of human rights violations. It said its interventions—including investigations, open hearings, suo motu action and policy advisories—aim to strengthen accountability and protect civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
The Commission also highlighted its work on systemic reforms, reviews of laws and policies, and research on issues such as child rights, mental health, labour welfare and environmental protection. It conducts training and awareness programmes for civil servants, police personnel, students and human rights institutions.
Through ITEC-supported programmes, the NHRC has also trained 78 senior officials from national human rights institutions across 23 countries in the Global South.
The Commission has expanded digital access through the HRC Net Portal, which allows individuals to file and track complaints online. The portal is connected to over five lakh Common Service Centres and the National Government Services Portal.
NHRC will release several publications on Human Rights Day. The events will be livestreamed on NIC Webcast and YouTube from 10 am.
