Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This milestone document proclaims the inalienable rights to which every person is entitled, regardless of race, religion, gender, language, nationality, or any other status.
Human Rights Day: History
The foundation for Human Rights Day was laid in the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by grave human rights abuses. As nations sought to rebuild and prevent such atrocities from recurring, the United Nations was established in 1945. One of its core objectives was to promote and protect human rights globally.
On December 10, 1948, the General Assembly adopted the UDHR, drafted by an international committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States. This historic document outlines 30 articles defining the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that belong to all human beings.
In 1950, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 423(V), officially declaring December 10 as Human Rights Day. The day aims to educate people about the importance of human rights and galvanise action to address violations worldwide.
Human Rights Day: Significance
Human Rights Day is not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to action for individuals, communities, and nations. The day serves to:
Promote Awareness: By highlighting the principles of the UDHR, Human Rights Day educates people about their rights and the responsibilities of states to uphold them.
Encourage Advocacy: The observance calls attention to ongoing injustices, inspiring collective efforts to address issues like inequality, discrimination, and oppression.
Foster Unity: The UDHR's universal message of equality and dignity brings people together across cultural, political, and geographical divides.
Inspire Policy Change: Events held on Human Rights Day often influence policymakers to prioritise human rights in their agendas.
Observance of Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is marked by a wide range of events, including conferences, art exhibits, cultural performances, and educational campaigns. The United Nations and its agencies, along with governments, non-governmental organisations, and human rights defenders, host these activities to amplify the voices of those advocating for justice and equality.
Social media platforms also play a pivotal role, with campaigns using hashtags like #HumanRightsDay and #StandUp4HumanRights to reach a global audience. Schools and universities often organise discussions and workshops to engage young people in conversations about their rights and responsibilities.
Human Rights Day: Theme 2024
This year's theme for Human Rights Day is - "Our rights, our future, right now".
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