Every year on December 18, India observes Minorities Rights Day to promote the right to freedom and equal opportunity for ethnic minorities in India, as well as to raise awareness about minorities’ respect and dignity. On this day, the country focuses on the challenges and issues that minorities of various ethnic backgrounds confront. People talk about protecting religious, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic minorities’ rights. The day also emphasises the importance of eradicating all types of prejudice against minorities.

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MINORITIES RIGHTS DAY: HISTORY

The United Nations recognised December 18 as international Minorities Rights Day in 1992. Individuals belonging to religious or linguistic National or Ethnic minorities had their rights recognised by the United Nations. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in India is in charge of organising the events on this day. NCM  was founded by the Union Government in 1992 under the National Commission for Minorities Act.

MINORITIES RIGHTS DAY: SIGNIFICANCE

Under international law, India recognises and protects the rights of minorities. Declarations on the rights of persons belonging to National or Ethnic Minorities, Religious Minorities, and Linguistic Minorities are commemorated on December 18. On this day, the central government pledges to protect their rights to equality and non-discrimination.

MINORITIES RIGHTS DAY: THEME

On December 18, India celebrates Minority Rights Day 2021 by holding debates and seminars on the subject. Minorities’ problems and status are thoroughly investigated in order to rule out discrimination in the country. 

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The goal of Minority Rights Day 2021 is to promote all minority groups in society and encourage them to express themselves. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the workshops, seminars, and discussions will most likely be held online.