It is observed to uphold the right to freedom and equal opportunities for the ethnic minorities in India and create awareness about the respect and dignity of the minorities.
18th December was declared as the Minorities Rights Day back in 1992 by the United Nations.
In India, it is the responsibility of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
The NCM in India was established by the Union Government under the National Commission for Minorities Act, in 1992.