Human Rights Day - December 10

➡️ Human Rights Day - Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now

Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December, marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This international document details the universal rights and freedoms of all human beings. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to celebrate this Declaration, raise awareness of the human rights situation around the world, and promote the dignity and equality of all human beings.

It was established after the barbarity of the Second World War and formally recognised human rights as the foundation for freedom, justice, and peace.

The Declaration is made up of 30 articles that cover various aspects of human rights and freedoms. These include the right to life, liberty and safety, freedom of expression and thought, the right to education and employment, the right to be judged fairly before the law, the fundamental rights of food, housing, and medical care, and the right to be free from torture and slavery.

These principles are intended to protect the basic rights to which all people are entitled, regardless of their origin, religion, nationality, gender, language, age, sexual orientation, or any other factor.

Despite these protections, the current global human rights situation is dire. According to Amnesty International's 2024 Human Rights report, the world is witnessing a near breakdown of international law, particularly regarding the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. 2024 was an alarming year for human rights suppression and atrocities.

Amnesty officially concluded the War on Gaza amounts to genocide against the Palestinian people.

The report revealed rising authoritarianism, a disregard for international law by powerful governments such as the U.S., Russia, and China, and the normalisation of discrimination against marginalised groups.

There has also been an increase in repression, surveillance, and disregard for fundamental freedoms. Conflict regions such as Ethiopia, Mali, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, and Venezuela show little improvement. In Russia and Iran, the situation has actually deteriorated.

The 2024 Global Rights Project gave 62% of the world's 195 countries an "F" grade (scores from 0 to 59) for their human rights record. Only 18% earned between an "A" and a "B".

The world often looks the other way when human rights violations are being committed. Turkey, Libya, Syria, the West Bank, and Hungary are prime examples of unabated violations of human rights. Western nations shirk the responsibility for ensuring that rights are upheld. In many cases, they even exacerbate the issue, for example, the funnelling of billions of dollars worth of weapons into Israel and Ukraine.

War and conflict are increasing, becoming more prolonged, and more deadly. It is clear that the United Nations lack effective means to pacify conflicts and effectively prevent large-scale human rights violations. Self-serving governments are pouring more and more money into militarisation and rearmament instead of investing in society, education, healthcare, or the fight against climate change.

Human Rights Day for a Better World

Human rights organisations host events all around the world on December 10th, including conferences, seminars, ceremonies, workshops, vigils, cultural events, protests, marches, and fundraising events. These activities raise awareness of important issues, promote dialogue, and support concrete actions to promote and defend human rights.

Human Rights Day is our yearly reminder that the protection and respect of human rights is the responsibility of all members of the international community.

Help us to spread the message and share this unique resource via Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.

Checkout our essential guide to ➡️ Human Rights and the most significant issues that the world is facing today:

• Gender Equality

• Poverty

• Food Insecurity

• Refugee Crisis

• Climate Change

• Human Trafficking

• LGBTQI+ Rights

German speakers can visit our partner site, Bessere Welt Info, where you can find further information on Tag der Menschenrechte.

Authors: Maximilian Stark 05.12.23, translated and edited by Rachael Mellor 12.12.24, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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