MINORITIES RIGHTS DAY 2023: Marked as National Minorities Rights Day, December 18 holds great importance in India. This day serves as a reminder of the commitment to protecting the rights of religious, ethnic, racial, and linguistic minorities in the country. As India commemorates this day each year, it aims to create awareness, foster understanding and advocate for the rights of minority communities.
Defining Minorities
A minority group, as per the United Nations, is a community that is socially, politically and economically non-dominant and inferior in population within a given country. These groups may differ in terms of culture, ethnicity or race but coexist within the broader national framework. The rights of these minorities are fundamental to the principles of equality and justice.
Historical Context
The establishment of Minorities Rights Day coincides with the adoption of the UN Declaration on December 18, 1992. This declaration emphasized the right of persons belonging to minorities to enjoy their own culture, practice their religion and use their language without discrimination.
In response to this, India took a significant step by creating the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National Commission for Minorities Act (1992). This commission is tasked with safeguarding and promoting the rights of minority communities in the country.
The Role of the National Commission for Minorities
The NCM plays a pivotal role in ensuring the protection and promotion of minority rights in India. Recognising the diverse nature of the nation, the government has identified six religious communities – Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains – as minority groups. The commission actively engages in activities that contribute to the welfare and empowerment of these communities.
Minorities Rights Day 2023: Significance
The observance of Minorities Rights Day holds immense significance. It serves as a platform to generate interest, raise awareness and build political will to protect and promote the rights of minority communities.
Acknowledging and respecting diversity contributes to the overall development of society and fosters political stability. The right of individuals to belong to different national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities is crucial for the harmonious existence of nations.
Minorities Rights Day 2023 Theme
The theme for Minority Rights Day 2023, ‘Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion,’ underscores the importance of recognising and embracing the richness that diversity brings to a society.
It encourages an inclusive approach where individuals from various backgrounds can coexist harmoniously, contributing to the collective progress of the nation.
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