Human Rights Day 2024
Human Rights Day 2024 :
Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now
10.12.24 – Teya Pichsinee, Maria Plexida
How would we define Human Rights?
Human Rights are those basic principles or norms that define the standards in the way of human behaviors and are guarded by national and international laws. They are inalienable: they are given to a person simply by reason of being human without regard to the nationality, ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic background. They represent a whole spectrum from civil, political, economic, social, to cultural rights: a right to life, to free speech, protection from slavery to access to education.
The modern understanding of human rights took center stage after atrocities in World War II as a response to the horrors of the Holocaust. This pivotal moment led to the creation, by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, of what would go on to be known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It set a universal framework for preserving human dignity, freedom, and justice, encouraging the people of the world to stand for these values. It has since then served as the basis for many international treaties and domestic laws, shaping a global commitment to Human Rights.
How was the Human Rights Day established?
December 10th is commemorated every year around the world to mark the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This Declaration empowers individuals and whole communities. Indeed, its principles are today as relevant now as they were back in that year, reminding us how important it is to protect or advocate for our Human Rights. By standing up for our own rights and those of others, we contribute to fostering equality and solidarity among all people. Every action we take in our daily lives to defend these rights strengthens the bonds of humanity.
UNESCO became the first United Nations agency to make the UDHR central to its mission in December 1948. Through education and media, UNESCO has since worked to promote the Declaration’s values across the globe.
A Historic Moment in Human Rights
The adoption of the UDHR marked a moment in history. Humankind, in the immediate aftermath of the carnage of World War II, had, in that declaration, made an attempt to ensure atrocities of the nature committed during the war should never happen again. The UDHR was drafted by representatives of many different legal, cultural, and religious traditions. It includes 30 articles; these guarantee the protection of each person’s basic freedoms and rights, among them:
- The right to life, liberty, and security.
- Free speech, religion, and thought.
- Equality in educational and employment opportunities.
- Protection against discrimination, torture, and slavery.
With more than 500 translations, the UDHR remains one of the best-known and most influential documents in history, a universal expression of the commitment to dignity and equality.
The Ongoing Fight for Human Rights
Even though there has been an improvement in the situation since 1948, human rights challenges are still very real. From issues of inequality, poverty, and lack of freedom of speech to the rise of authoritarianism, universal rights are far from being achieved. Human Rights Day reminds us of the endeavors by governments, organizations, and individuals in the quest for equality and freedom.
This day is also a call to action to all, to stand up for the rights of others, to challenge injustices, and to further a culture of respect and understanding. It’s a time to reflect on how far we have come and how much more we have to achieve.
Why It Matters
Human Rights Day is not just about celebrating a historic document; it’s about reaffirming the values of dignity, equality, and freedom. It’s a reminder that human rights are the cornerstone of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. By standing up for human rights, we help ensure a better future for generations to come.
As December 10th approaches, let us remember the importance of protecting these rights and recommit to creating a world where every individual’s dignity is upheld. After all, the fight for human rights is a fight for humanity itself.
Credit by: www.ohchr.org
2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now
This Human Rights Day highlights the role of human rights as a solution — a preventive, protective, and transformative force for good. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”
This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of human rights in our everyday lives. It is a call to action to challenge hate speech, address misinformation, and counter disinformation. Now is the time to reignite a global movement for human rights, showing how they can make a tangible difference in addressing global challenges.
Under the campaign Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, the UN spotlight the real-world impact of human rights by focusing on pressing global issues, celebrating successes, and highlighting practical solutions. This effort builds on the forward-thinking vision outlined by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk in Human Rights: A Path for Solutions. Presented as the culmination of Human Rights 75, it commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Credit by: www.ohchr.org