Human Rights Day Message

Are you aware of your rights as a human being?

Perhaps, there cannot be a single answer to this question. While some part of the population knows it, some people are unaware of these fundamental rights. But as humans, we must be aware of our human rights, as specified by the United Nations.

How it all started

There was a time when nobody was bothered at all that there should be a day exclusively meant to make us aware of our fundamental rights.

It all started on 10 December, 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The formal inception of the Human Rights Day was, however, in 1950.

How fundamental rights were protected

The UDHR is considered as a milestone document and the first most emphatic move of the United Nations. It specifies certain rights that everybody must enjoy as human beings.

The UDHR charter was translated into 500 languages that are commonly spoken across the world. The purpose was, every individual living in every part of the globe becomes aware of his rights as a human being.

United Nationals made considerable efforts since then to protect these rights.

The international organization also invited various States and interested organizations to join this great mission and celebrate this day every year as Human Rights Day.

Since then, the entire world has become aware of our fundamental rights as human beings.

What eminent personalities say about human rights

Since 10 December 1950, we have understood the significance of these quotes in our lives.

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world”

- Eleanor Roosevelt ; American political figure, diplomat and activist

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”

- Nelson Mandela; Former President of South Africa, anti-apartheid revolutionary, philanthropist

“There can be no peace without development, no development without peace, and no lasting peace or sustainable development without respect for human rights and the rule of law”

- Jan Eliasson; Former UN Deputy Secretary-General

What the United Nations says

“Human rights are at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as in the absence of human dignity we cannot hope to drive sustainable development. Human Rights are driven by progress on all SDGs, and the SDGs are driven by advancements on human rights”

- Source: UN Website

The celebration – then and now

Then: -

United Nations celebrated this special day in the calendar of human beings by making a proclamation in the General Assembly that there should be

“…common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”

United Nations specified to all the stakeholders that they must,

“…strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance”

The United Nations Postal Administration released commemorative Human Rights Day stamp in 1952.

Now: -

Political conferences, meetings and events are organized by governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Cultural programs and exhibitions acknowledging the fundamental rights of human being are organized.

The United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights is awarded every year.

Nobel Prize is awarded every year on this day.

A theme felicitating human rights is declared and celebrated every year.

What is the Human Rights Day theme this year

This year, the theme for this special day is in line with the worldwide pandemic, COVID- 19

The theme is –

“Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights”

This year United Nations aims at reinstating the massive loss faced by humans across the world due to COVID-19 pandemic simultaneous with ensuring that the human rights of every individual remain assured and protected.

At this crucial juncture, we have to remember some of the inspiring human rights activists who profoundly influenced our world and made a positive impact.