Seventy-five years ago today, in 1948, following the traumatic events of World War II, in which many atrocities had taken place during the war including mass killings, atomic bombings, torture cases and genocides. In a bid to never repeat such “barbarous acts which […] outraged the conscience of mankind”,48 countries of the newly -formed United Nations agreed that the world must do more to protect the rights and freedoms of all people and declared a set of universal principles that reflected the basic needs of all human beings.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a day also now known as Human Rights Day outlines 30 rights and freedoms that belong to everyone on this planet, that nobody can take away from us. These rights unite us all and remind us of the one thing we share in common: our humanity.A day for attending to global justice, equality, and a reminder of the fundamental values that underpin a just society.
Today it seems unimaginable that the world could ever have existed in a time where human rights were not the foundation of the social contract. The Declaration set out, for the first time in history, those fundamental human rights that Governments all over the world undertook to respect, protect and promote.
And ever since that auspicious day it has stood as the first major stride forward in ensuring that the rights of every human across the globe are protected. From the most basic human needs such as food, shelter, and water, all the way up to access to free and uncensored information, such has been the goals and ambitions laid out that day.
The Declaration proclaims a simple, yet powerful idea :
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," "They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
These rights are the birthright of all people: it does not matter, what country we live in and even who we are. Because we are human, we have these rights; and Governments are bound to protect them. They are not a reward for good behaviour, nor they are optional or the privilege of a few- they are inalienable entitlements of all people, at all times- regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. And because they are universal, they are also matters of legitimate concern; and standing up for them is a responsibility that binds us all.
It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages. When the General Assembly adopted the Declaration, with 48 states in favor and eight abstentions, it was proclaimed as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations", towards which individuals and societies should "strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance".
Although the Declaration .https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights with its broad range of political, civil, social, cultural and economic rights is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights. It has helped shape human rights all over the world.
Today the general consent of all United Nations Member States on the basic Human Rights laid down in the Declaration makes it even stronger and emphasizes the relevance of Human Rights in our daily lives.The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main United Nations rights official, plays a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observation of Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day reminds us that there is much to be done and around the world to protect those who cannot voice or respond to perpetrated discrimination and violence caused by governments, vigilantes, and individual actors. In many instances, those who seek to divide people for subjective means and for totalitarian reasons do so around the globe without fear of retribution. Violence, or the threat of violence, perpetrated because of differences in a host of physical and demographic contrasts and dissimilarities is a blight on our collective humanity now and a danger for our human future.
Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life No matter who you are or where you are from, everyone is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms set out in the Declaration. These human rights don’t change based on race, religion, sex, gender or nationality.
Every one of us has the right to life and liberty. Every one of us has the right to live with freedom from fear. They should never be taken away, these basic rights are based on values such as dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. Human rights are not just abstract concepts, they are defined and protected by law.The theme for Human Rights Day this year is Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all,
This powerful theme emphasises the three fundamental pillars of human rights, highlighting their interconnectedness and the importance of achieving them for all individuals.
The specific ways Human Rights Day is celebrated may vary from place to place, depending on local context and resources. However, the core purpose remains the same: to raise awareness about human rights, promote their protection, and inspire action to create a world where everyone enjoys freedom, equality, and justice.
But in a stark reflection of reality,The Universal Day of Human Rights comes this year when human rights violations persist around the world, and violence and conflict remain a reality for millions of people. Suffering and inhumane conditions continue in occupied Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and many regions across the globe.
The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) is continuously deteriorating, and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the rules international human rights law derived from it and international humanitarian law are violated. As the death toll continues to mount in Gaza, we must continues to call for a permanent cease-fire.
2023 also marks 75 years since al-Nakba. 75 years on from their expulsion, the suffering and displacement of Palestinian refugees are ongoing realities. Today, when Palestinians are remembering the ongoing Nakba that in 1948 uprooted more than 750,000 from their homelands, eradicated more than 650 villages, and killed thousands, lets are pay homage to those who have harnessed the power of the UDHR during unimaginable struggles for liberation, equality and independence. To those who have spoken up against violations of rights and disrupted historical injustices.
Today for the Palestinians, there is no peace, security or justice. There is limited access to basic necessities, and there is no safe place for a child. For the 6 million Palestinian Refugees around the World, and their descendents, Nakba isn’t over - it never ended.
Lets echo the sentiment of Secretary-General António Guterres, who on Thursday invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter - a rare diplomatic step in influencing the international community to prevent further escalation of ‘utter, deepening horror’, by demanding an end to this crisis.
“I reiterate my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. This is urgent. The civilian population must be spared from greater harm.”
As members of the international community, we all have a role to play in calling on our leaders to act now. On this global day of empowerment intended for all of humanity, it is clear that our work is now more critical than ever. Human Rights Day must be a call for action – to continue fighting for dignity and equality for all and demand the end of armed conflict and suffering of innocent civilians and children around the world.
