Goonj – India Law Blog & Insights on Society and Spirituality

Introduction October 24th marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter officially came into force. Essentially, UN Day is an annual commemoration of the birth of the United Nations, an organization created after World War II to promote peace, security, and co-operation among nations. The day is observed to raise awareness about the aims and achievements of the United Nations and to gain support for its work in promoting international peace, human rights, and development worldwide. The UN Charter – the organization's founding document – was ratified by a majority of the founding members including five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States). The Declaration – the UN Charter was drafted and signed by representatives of 50 countries at the United Nations Conference on International Organizations in San Francisco between April and June 1945. In 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted a r...

The Hidden Injury of Poverty: Why Dignity Is the New Frontline   International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – 17 October On October 17th, 1987 over 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris – the site where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948. They gathered to honour victims of extreme poverty, hunger and fear. Activist Joseph Wrensinki, founder of the international movement ATD Fourth World , unveiled a commemorative stone inscribed with his words “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.” The United Nations Mandate: From Protest to Global Pledge Five years later in 1992 the United Nations formally adopted this date transforming a single act of protest into an annual, worldwide mandate for justice. The United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared October 17th as the International Day for the Era...

  🏛️ Celebrating Minorities Rights Day in India: Upholding Dignity and Equality 🌐 Introduction Franklin Roosevelt once said, “No democracy can long survive which does not accept as fundamental to its very existence the recognition of the rights of minorities.” Minorities Rights Day in India is observed annually on November 18th , following the UN General Assembly’s 1992 declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National, or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities . This day raises awareness about challenges faced by religious, linguistic, and social minorities and emphasizes the importance of equality, dignity, and empowerment. India, with its diverse cultures and faiths, is committed to secularism and protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion, language, or identity. 📜 Definition and Legal Framework Even though the Constitution of India uses the term “minority,” it does not explicitly define it. National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 (Sect...

👶 Surrogacy and the Rights of a Single, Unmarried Woman in India Exploring the legal challenges, social norms, and reproductive rights under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021 🌐 Introduction Surrogacy has long provided a pathway for women who cannot conceive naturally to become parents. Historically, even Babylonian law permitted surrogacy to prevent divorce. Today, advances in medical science, evolving social norms, and legal reforms have shaped modern surrogacy. However, this progress has raised ethical, social, and legal questions regarding women’s rights, child welfare, and social justice. Critics argue that surrogacy can exploit women in developing countries, while supporters see it as a necessary resource for women facing infertility or social barriers. 👶 What Is Surrogacy? Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a child for another individual or couple (the intended parents). IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is typically used, and a legal c...