Rajasthan : Keeping the tradition of observing global events such as World

Human Rights Day 2010 at Way to Transform Shridhar University Pilani Rajasthan

Health Day, World Entrepreneurship Day, World Earth Day, World Press Freedom Day, World Environment Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Music day, World Population Day, International Ozone Day etc, Shridhar University Pilani observed Human Rights Day on December 10, 2010. On this occasion, Prof BR Natarajan Pro Vice Chancellor urging the faculty and students of Shridhar University, Pilani to champion the cause of human rights and carry it forward lifelong as a mission with passion, conveyed the following.

Human rights are our common heritage and their realization depends on the contributions that each and every one of us is willing to make, individually and collectively, now and in the future – thus spake Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.

Human rights are legal entitlements to people for the simple reason that they are human. These rights have been variously described as fundamental, inalienable, basic and even God-given. They apply equally to all persons regardless of age, race, creed, gender or social status. The biggest obstacle to enjoyment of human rights is poverty. The Poor are denied freedom from hunger and want, freedom from fear of avoidable death and premature mortality, freedom to support one’s family – in short, freedom to live in dignity. Poverty violates every human right. Universal poverty removal is very vital for Universal Human Rights.

Human Rights Day 2010 on 10 December recognizes the work of human rights defenders worldwide who act to end discrimination. Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims. While some human rights defenders are internationally renowned, many remain anonymous and undertake their work often at great personal risk to themselves and their families. Human Rights defenders are of all ages and have diverse backgrounds and occupations. Many are highly qualified people who have special skills as lawyers, journalists, doctors, architects, or teachers: many others have little or no education but they all have in common the fundamental conviction that human rights must be protected and promoted. Everyone can advance and speak up for human rights no matter who they are or where they are from.

Some of the human rights defenders who struggle to end discrimination worldwide include : Speaking out for indigenous rights – Dora Alonso (Guatemala), Documenting human rights violations around the world – Roberto Garretón (Chile), Using the law to combat racial and other discrimination – Gay McDougall (USA), Breaking a vicious cycle of discrimination against Roma communities – Sri Kumar Vishwanathan (India/Czech Republic), Providing hope and inspiration to HIV positive patients: Me Maphallang Ponoane (Lesotho South Africa).