Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This landmark document proclaimed the inalienable rights to which every individual is entitled, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, language, political opinion, national or social origin, or any other status.

Members of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The 48 countries that voted in favour of the Declaration are:

Theme for 2024

“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”

This year’s theme is 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. This is the time to mobilize action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.

Declaration Details

Declaration for Human Rights Day consists of the following:

• The preamble sets out the historical and social causes that led to the necessity of drafting the Declaration.
• Articles 1–2 establish the basic concepts of dignity, liberty, and equality.
• Articles 3–5 establish other individual rights, such as the right to life and the prohibition of slavery and torture.
• Articles 6–11 refer to the fundamental legality of human rights with specific remedies cited for their defence when violated.
• Articles 12–17 set forth the rights of the individual towards the community, including freedom of movement and residence within each state, the right of property, the right to a nationality and right to asylum.
• Articles 18–21 sanction the so-called “constitutional liberties” and spiritual, public, and political freedoms, such as freedom of thought, opinion, expression, religion and conscience, word, peaceful association of the individual, and receiving and imparting information and ideas through any media.
• Articles 22–27 sanction an individual’s economic, social and cultural rights, including healthcare. It upholds an expansive right to an adequate standard of living, and makes special mention of care given to those in motherhood or childhood.
• Articles 28–30 establish the general means of exercising these rights, the areas in which the rights of the individual cannot be applied, the duty of the individual to society, and the prohibition of the use of rights in contravention of the purposes of the United Nations Organization.

How Human Rights Day Is Celebrated

1. Global Events: Conferences, debates, art exhibitions, and cultural events are organized by governments, NGOs, and educational institutions.
2. Advocacy Campaigns: Campaigns highlight issues like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education.
3. Awards: Organizations and individuals who make significant contributions to human rights causes are recognized globally.

Significance of the Day

1. Promoting Equality: Raises awareness about the importance of equality and human dignity.
2. Defending Rights: Reinforces the commitment to defend universal rights amidst challenges such as discrimination, inequality, and injustice.
3. Global Solidarity: Encourages international cooperation to uphold human rights standards.

Conclusion

Human   Rights   Day,   observed   on   December   10th,   serves   as   a   critical   reminder   of   the   significance   of   upholding   human   rights   worldwide.   It   is   a   time   for   individuals   and   organizations   to   come   together   and   reaffirm   their   commitment   to   promoting   and   protecting   these   fundamental   rights.   Various   activities   and   events   are   organized   globally   to   celebrate   Human   Rights   Day,   including   educational   seminars,   panel   discussions,   art   exhibitions,   and   advocacy   campaigns.   This   day   serves   as   an   opportunity   to   raise   awareness   about   human   rights   issues,   inspire   positive   change,   and   foster   a   collective   effort   towards   creating   a   more   just   and   inclusive   society.   Let   us   unite   and   take   action   to   ensure   the   universal   respect   and   fulfilment   of   human   rights   for   all   individuals.

References

https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights#cite_note-unyearbook1948-58

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