Good morning to one and all Dear students , today is Human Rights Day, a day in which we take stock

of the progress we are making in our efforts to promote, develop and protect human rights in our country since the dawn of democracy in 1947. The universally recognized principle that Human Rights are Inherent is based on the premise that All men are created Equal with all human beings being born free and equal in dignity and rights and that they are endowed with reason, conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. The Fundamental Rights and Freedoms such as the right to life, liberty, security of person and the protection of the law; freedom of conscience, of expression, of assembly, association and movement; protection of person, protection for private and family life; protection against arbitrary arrest and irrational discrimination; protection of the right to education and protection from inhumane treatment are all guaranteed by our Constitution. Human rights may be generally defined as those rights which are inherent in our nature and without which we cannot live as human beings. Human rights and fundamental freedoms allow us to develop fully and use our human qualities, our intelligence, our talents and our conscience and to satisfy our spiritual and other needs. They are based on humankinds increasing demand for a life in which the inherent dignity and worth of each human being are accorded respect and protection. Their denial is not only an individual and personal tragedy but also creates conditions of social and political unrest, sowing the seeds of violence and conflict within andbetween societies and nations. Human Rights Day Function December 10, 2012 I am happy to participate in the Human Rights Day function being organized by the today. It gives me great pleasure to address you people regarding human rights. This day marks an important milestone in the quest of mankind towards realization of human rights for all citizens of the world. On this day, in 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights which proclaims that human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. 64 years have passed since then. The Declaration has provided guidance to many nations in ensuring their laws are in tandem with the fundamentals of human rights. Indias association with the international human rights movement runs deep. Dr. Hansa Mehta - a freedom fighter, educator and social reformer represented India on the United Nations Human Rights Commission which drafted the Declaration. She made significant contributions to the drafting of the Declaration, particularly on the subject of gender equality. India is a signatory to all important international conventions on human rights, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Conventions on Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, Rights of the Child, Rights of Persons with Disabilities etc. Since independence, we have been unambiguous in our commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights globally as well as within the country. India accepts that certain rights have always been understood by man to be basic such as the right to life and liberty. If human rights are inseparable from man, they should be equal in their application to all human beings at all places and at all times. These rights are fundamental to the very existence of mankind and not merely for the benefit of one class or section of human beings. Our Constitution reflects this position. The right to life and personal liberty is available to all people within its territory and not just its citizens.

As a developing country, we are facing numerous challenges with some of these challenges being of our own making, while other challenges being as a result of the economic downturn in the world financial markets. We are facing the ever present threat to our individual right to safety and security as we face an increase in criminal activity and a further violation of individual rights through the acts of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the persistent use of violence against our women and children. These acts will only serve to further undermine our countrys security, peace and stability if left unchecked and unmanaged, therefore it is essential that we support our Justice System and see each individual component as a vital mechanism for regulating our society and ultimately creating a society where all citizens are bound by the law, and guaranteed equality before the law.

As we face the daunting task of rebuilding our country and restoring hope, we must be mindful that a just and prosperous country can only exist where individuals have the possibility to enjoy human dignity with a respect for equality, democracy, freedom of expression and for the rule of law.

These key components are the basis for the promotion and protection of human rights with democracy being the only form of Government that allows people to fully enjoy their human rights. However in order for democracy to flourish, democracy needs an open society with a free media, full transparency, must be free of corruption, must ensure fair treatment of its citizens, with an equal access to employment opportunities and the freedom for one to express his/her opinion without fear. As I close, let us all be mindful that the realization of human rights can never be the sole responsibility of the Government, all of us must play our part in promoting human rights, for the promotion of human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law is in the long run our best guarantee of our own security and that of our country as a whole.