76 years ago today, on December 10 1948, the UN formally adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights .Conceived after the horrors of the Second World War, this document was the first of its kind to enshrine the rights and freedoms of all human beings into international law.
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. .In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.
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 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.
Sadly in 2024, powerful nations call upon human rights to justify sanctions, coups and wars, while ignoring, or even systematically violating, human rights of the powerless when it serves their political purpose. Critical voices are under attack and the backlash against human rights is growing. Legitimate protests are curbed, repression is rising, and public space is shrinking.The principles of the UDHR are constantly under threat. Right now, people around the world are being oppressed, silenced and abused, and their human rights violated, Today ons Human Rights the world allows the state of Israel to lock 2.2 million people into a strip of land less than a third the size of London and bomb them at will.
Human Rights Day reminds us that there is much to be done 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. They should never be taken away, these basic rights are based on values such as dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. But human rights are not just abstract concepts, they are defined and protected by law.
The aim of of Human Rights Day is to raise awareness around the world of our inalienable rights – rights to basic needs such as water, food, shelter and decent working conditions. In the UK we are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998, that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to. But we have seen it threatened by successive governments. They don’t like having their authority questioned and their power challenged.
Meanwhile in other countries, especially developing countries, the laws are not in place to protect people and to ensure that their basic needs are met.
For millions of people, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is still just a dream. Many people around the world are still denied the most basic of human rights on a daily basis. Women’s rights are still repeatedly denied and marginalised throughout the globe, despite 76 years of the milestone declaration on human rights. Confronted with widespread gender-based violence, hate and discrimination, women’s well-being and ability to live full and active lives in society are being seriously challenged.
This year the theme for Human Rights Day is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,”
"Human rights have a tangible positive impact and offer practical solutions. By embracing the full power of human rights as the path to the future we want, the world can become more peaceful and equal," the UN said announcing the theme.
A call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives. We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation, and countering disinformation. Now is the moment to rally together and breathe new life into the global movement for human rights.
This year’s focus encourages people to come together to address pressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and the need for justice and dignity for all. The theme inspires us to create a world where everyone’s rights are respected, regardless of race, gender, religion, or economic status.
Equality is a concept that’s hard to pin down, yet at its core, we can agree that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights. No matter of religion, race, colour, sex, language, sexual orientation, age, or status. These characteristics are mere surface differences. Reducing inequality requires tackling discrimination and biases deeply engrained in our society.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day, lets reflect on how we can contribute to this global effort. Whether through advocacy, education, or simply standing up against injustice in our communities, every action counts. Together, we can make a difference and move closer to a world where human rights are truly universal.
Human rights are not just lofty ideals. They are practical tools that empower individuals and communities. Let’s use this day to inspire change and to remind ourselves of the power we hold to create a more just and equitable world for all. “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” is not just a theme—it’s a call to action for each of us to play our part in protecting and promoting human rights today and for the future.
Racism, xenophobia and intolerance are still problems prevalent in all societies, and discriminatory practices are widespread, particularly regarding the targeting of migrants and refugees. including in rich countries where men, women and children who have committed no crime are often held in detention for prolonged periods. They are frequently discriminated against by landlords, employers and state-run authorities, and stereotyped and vilified by some political parties, media organizations and members of the public.
Many other groups face discrimination to a greater or lesser degree. Some of them are easily definable such as persons with disabilities, stateless people, gays and lesbians, members of particular castes and the elderly. Others may span several different groups and find themselves discriminated against on several different levels as a result.
Those who are not discriminated against often find it hard to comprehend the suffering and humiliation that discrimination imposes on their fellow individual human beings. Nor do they always understand the deeply corrosive effect it has on society at large.
Nearly a billion people do not have enough food to eat, and even in wealthier countries like the UK and the US where there is an increasing growth in food banks. Poverty is a leading factor in the failure to protect the economic and social rights of many individuals around the world. For the half of the world population living on less than $2.50 a day, human rights lack any practical meaning.
For this Human Rights Day we must continue to stand with all people targeted for giving expression to the vision and values embodied in the declaration. Every day must be Human Rights Day, as every person in the world is entitled to the full and indivisible range of human rights every day of his or her life.Global human rights are not selective in their value or meaning, nor are they limited to a day or time of year. Until all people have access to these human rights we must stand up, advocate for, and insist that more must be done.
The right to security, the right to dignity, the right to be free from violence , the right to be free from displacement, the right Right to access to adequate food, water, sanitation, clothing, housing, The rights denied to Palestinians in Gaza are not privileges. Human Rights Day should serve as a reminder to act for those lacking basic rights each and everyday.
It’s important to acknowledge that human rights, have rarely been gifted to us through benevolent leaders. Rather, they have been won after long fought battles and collective struggle. We need to recognize and pay tribute to human rights defenders the world over, putting their lives on the line for others, our voice must be their voice.
As thousands of struggles have proved, human rights are a vital lever in the quest for equality and social justice. If governments will no longer protect human rights it will be up to us, the people to keep on fighting for them and ensure our human right are always upheld.
Lets work to achieve a better life for all. And more importantly, to continue to take a stand for people whose human rights are still not being met across the globe, find a way to use our voices for those who may not have an opportunity to advocate for themselves. At the same time strengthening international law and justice in order to end impunity, and bring to justice those guilty of violations of human rights and offer protection to their victims.
Today is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in rebuilding the world we want, the need for global solidarity as well as our interconnectedness and shared humanity. A future of cooperation among citizens, peoples and between nations. It is a a prerequisite for a more peaceful future where disputes are solved through negotiation and diplomacy.
Stand up against injustices when you see them. Support organisations and engage in conversations that foster understanding and respect. Human rights are everyone’s business. Each of us has a role in promoting and protecting them. By doing so, we contribute to a world where everyone can live with dignity and freedom.
"If your neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor, "- Desmond Tutu
