Human Rights Day is observed across the world on December 10 to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of their race, colour, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national origin, property and birth.
Available in more than 500 languages, the UDHR is the most translated document in the world.
Key Points
• Human Rights Day is observed to raise awareness regarding people’s social, cultural and physical rights as well as to ensure the welfare people across the world.
• The United States on Human Rights Day encourages countries to create equal opportunities for everyone and address the issues of exclusion, inequality, and discrimination.
Background
United Nations General Assembly had adopted the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights in 1948. The Allies of World War II, also known as the United Nations, adopted four freedoms viz., freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom from fear and freedom from want. They created the Charter of United Nations on the basis of faith in fundamental human rights. Thus, Universal Declaration of Human Rights is significant and forms one of the bases of the United Nations.
Significance of the day
The Human Rights Day signifies the absolute rights to which all humans are entitled, irrespective of their race, religion, colour, language, sex, political or other opinions, poverty, national or social origin, birth or another status. Equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Human Rights Day has become more significant in the aftermath of covid-19, as it has deepened poverty and raised inequality, discrimination & other gaps in human rights protection.
UN Human Rights Council
The mission to protect human rights around the world has been tasked to Human Rights Council which consists of 47 elected United Nations Member States. These states are empowered to prevent inequality, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations.
Council was established by the United Nations General Assembly on March 15, 2006 to replace the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. It has been strongly criticized for including member countries which engage in human rights abuses.
Slogan and theme for Human Rights Day 2021
"All Human, All Equal" is 2021’s slogan for Human Rights Day and the theme is "EQUALITY - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights."
The United States has taken the theme from Article 1 of UDHR, which says “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Why do we mark International Days?
International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.