On December 10, Human Rights Day serves to commemorate the moment that the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted and announced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is the most translated document globally and is available for reading in over 500 languages. It has inspired numerous nations and individuals to pledge themselves to protect the fundamental rights of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. Human Rights Day is a time to recognize the enormous importance of this document and of safeguarding human rights.
History of Human Rights Day observed:
Every year, Human Rights Day is observed as a reminder of the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights being adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This special day is commemorated by the United Nations Postal Administration, which issued a stamp in 1952 in honor of the occasion, and received an overwhelming 200,000 pre-orders.
The purpose of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to promote and ensure a global standard of living, which all people are entitled to and which all United Nations member countries should strive to provide for their citizens. The rights outlined in the United Nations Human Rights Declaration are often seen as more declarative than legally binding, but they have had a significant impact on how human rights are perceived and are often used as a force for good.
Every December 10, Human Rights Day marks a special occasion to honor and celebrate the fundamental rights of all human beings. This year's theme is "Stand up for someone's rights today," and it is a reminder that our rights should be respected and defended on a daily basis. We should all strive to create an environment of mutual respect, fairness, and equality for one another.
What is the significance of commemorating Human Rights Day?
This day has been set aside to honor the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, and to recognize the momentous occasion of its inception.
There are many ways to celebrate Human Rights Day:
- Have you been particularly moved by an organization that works to defend and uphold human rights? If so, why not take the time now to show your support by making a contribution?
- Take part in a celebration of human rights. There are a variety of activities to choose from such as conferences, panel discussions, art displays, and intellectual conversations. Join in and be a part of the movement!
- Express your backing of the rights of people by engaging in online conversations or making your opinion heard on social media.
Here are five facts about human rights:
- King Cyrus II, commonly known as the Great King Cyrus, was a leader of great repute and was renowned for his progressive and enlightened rule. He strove for freedom, abolishing the practice of slavery, ensuring racial and religious equality amongst his subjects, and setting a benchmark of exemplary leadership for future rulers to aspire to.
- All people have the right to take time off for rest and relaxation. This right is enshrined in Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- It has been estimated that around 250,000 minors, with almost half of them female, are being utilized for military operations in twenty different nations. These young girls are regularly exposed to sexual exploitation and have been coerced into becoming "wives" of male combatants.
- The struggle for women to gain the right to vote was a lengthy and challenging process, taking place over a period of 17 years. Despite opposition, Susan B. Anthony and other women's rights activists organized protests and advocated for the right to vote in various states, with some states granting the right as early as 1894. Finally, in 1902, the federal government declared that women had the right to vote, and the struggle ultimately resulted in women gaining parity with men in terms of voting rights.
- UNICEF has discovered that every year, roughly 12 million underage girls are getting married before reaching the minimum legal age of 16-18.
Recognizing the importance of Human Rights Day:
It is essential that everyone is given respectful and fair treatment as all people are of equal worth. Each person should be at liberty to live their life without being subjected to oppression, subordination, or control by another. This thought should be remembered as it symbolizes the development that has taken place over time.
We should take pride in the successes of the past and use that energy to further our mission of creating a more equitable world for everyone. Having a sense of solidarity allows us to further our collective objectives, and it is essential for creating lasting change.
When the Declaration of Human Rights was first put in place, it was unanimously agreed upon by 48 countries that the standards of living for all individuals should be enhanced.