"OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, RIGHT NOW “- A CALL TO ACTION FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY IN INDIA

The History : 
Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10th, is a pivotal moment for people worldwide to reflect on the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every human being, regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, or any other status.
The origins of Human Rights Day date back to December 10, 1948, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This milestone document outlines a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, from the right to life, liberty, and security, to the right to work, education, and participation in cultural and social activities.

Theme this Year & India : 
Human Rights Day 2024, with the theme "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now," serves as a powerful reminder that human rights are not distant ideals but urgent realities that demand immediate attention and action. In India, a country rich in diversity and history, this day calls us to reflect on the state of human rights and the ongoing struggles for justice, equality, and dignity.

Struggles for Rights in India :
India, despite its democratic framework, continues to grapple with significant human rights challenges. The rights of marginalised groups like Dalits, Adivasis, women, Muslims, and the LGBTQIA+ community—are often neglected or violated. While progress has been made in areas such as education and women’s rights, the nation faces serious setbacks. From religious intolerance and caste-based violence to gender discrimination, India’s human rights landscape remains marked by inequality and injustice.

The Right to Protest and Freedom of Expression
The right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy, but in recent years, India has seen increasing crackdowns on dissent. Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the farmers’ protests or protest against the recent crime on the Doctor in Kolkata in her workplace were met with heavy police action, and general people, activists and journalists are often targeted. These activities by state and central Govt serve as stark reminders of the growing restrictions on the freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully. On Human Rights Day, we must reaffirm the importance of protecting the right to freely express dissent and to peacefully assemble without fear.

Gender Justice: A Persistent Struggle :
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in India. From rape to domestic violence, women continue to face systemic oppression. The tragic incidents of violence against women, such as the Hathras case or the horrific incident of Doctors’ rape and murder in Kolkata and several cases of Sexual assault on the girl children clearly have highlighted the deep-rooted patriarchy and caste-based oppression that perpetuates violence against women. Despite legislative advancements and greater awareness, women’s rights in India continue to be under threat…..victimised by societal norms that restrict their freedom and by a legal system that often fails to protect them adequately. The theme of Human Rights Day 2024 reminds us that gender justice cannot be postponed; it must happen right now. Women's autonomy over their bodies, their voices, and their choices must be acknowledged, and measures to safeguard them must be put into place at all levels of society.

The Rights of Indigenous People :
India’s indigenous people, its Adivasis continue to face an existential struggle for their rights, dignity, and survival. Despite the legal protections guaranteed under the Forest Rights Act and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, their lands, cultures, and ways of life are increasingly under threat from state policies, corporate interests, and environmental degradation
India’s indigenous people, its Adivasis continue to face an existential struggle for their rights, dignity, and survival primarily due to displacement caused by development projects. The Forest Rights Act promises recognition, but implementation remains weak. Adivasis continue to struggle for their rightful place in society, and Human Rights Day 2024 calls for solidarity with these communities, recognising their right to land and self-determination.

Climate Change and Human Rights :
As the world grapples with the climate crisis, India, with its vast and varied geography, is at the forefront of this battle. The climate-induced displacement, especially of marginalized communities, and the environmental destruction caused by rising sea levels, floods, and droughts, disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable. The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue anymore, it is a human rights issue. Vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters, from floods to droughts. As human rights are inextricably linked to environmental justice, it is critical to ensure that the fight for human rights also includes the fight for a clean, sustainable environment.

Right to Education and Human Rights and WE :

The Right to Education (RTE) in India is recognized as a fundamental human right, acknowledging that education is essential for the full development of an individual and society. The RTE Act of 2009 further solidified this right by making it legally binding, aiming to eliminate educational disparities and promote equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. As a human right, it underscores the state's responsibility to provide accessible, quality education, empowering individuals and fostering social justice. The state is conformed of individuals and as responsible individuals, Gopsai Avinandan Sangha Group of Institutions started it’s journey about two decades back to establish one of the basic human rights in form of spreading job oriented education amongst underpriviledged and we believe that miles to go yet.

A Call to Action – Right Now : 
As we commemorate Human Rights Day 2024, we must remind ourselves that human rights are not just ideals to strive for—they are the very foundation of a just society, a free society, a society where dignity, equality, and justice are not privileges, but fundamental rights available to all, regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion. We must ensure that the rights of every individual—regardless of their gender, caste, religion, or ethnicity are protected and celebrated. India’s future depends on the future of its marginalised. By standing up for freedom, equality, and justice, we can build a society where the human rights of all are upheld, and where the promise of dignity and equality is a reality for every citizen.
The fight for human rights is urgent. The time to act is now.

Sanchita Roychowdhury

Head-P.R & Digitisation

GOPSAI AVINANDAN SANGHA

Editor