Commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948, Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 every year. It was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of United Nations as a global standard to protect and promote human rights irrespective of caste, gender, colour, creed, language political belief or any other status.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Office of Public Affairs of the Baháʼís of India in collaboration with the Human Rights Defense International (HRDI) & International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), Delhi organised a consultation and award ceremony at the Bahai House.
Key speakers in the consultation were Areti Sianni, Chief of Mission, UNHCR India, Prof. (Dr.) Raman Mittal (Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi), Pallabi Ghosh (Founder/Director, Impact and Dialogue Foundation) and Jitender Singh Shunty, former Member of Delhi Legislative Assembly and founder Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal. Ms. Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director, Office of Public Affairs of the Baha’is of India moderated the discussions.
Speaking on the occasion Sianni reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to work closely with Govt of India on issues of refugees coming to India from neighbouring countries as well as internally displaced people. “Together with govt of India, civil society organisations and inter-faith groups we would like to work towards ensuring a safe place for displaced people. UNHCR focuses on finding sustainable solutions for long-standing humanitarian issues.” She also mentioned that UNHCR will continue to work on the humanitarian settlement of Rohingya refugees in India and until solutions are achieved.
The consultation concluded with an award ceremony where individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly for upholding human rights were felicitated.