The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations on 10th december 1948. Since 1950, every 10th December commemorated the “Human Rights Day”.
For the first time, after the cruelties of the Second World War, it was globally agreed on the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being, regardless of sex, colour, race, religion, political opinion or other status. Being the most translated document in the world, the rights included in the Declaration remain the basis of international human rights law.
Some of the 30 rights and freedoms included in the Declaration are the right not to be subjected to torture, the right to freedom of expression, to education or to seek asylum. It also includes civil and political rights, such as the right to life and to freedom; and economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to social security, health and adequate housing.
Although all States have the obligation to promote and protect all human rights for all persons without discrimination, regardless of their political, economic and cultural system, 71 years after being approved, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is even more a dream than a reality.
Human rights violations do exist in all parts of the world, either at the hands of governments or non-state groups that use violence in pursuit of their political goals.
It is not just a question of claiming one’s rights, it is the responsibility of all of us to defend human rights and each of us must take a step forward and defend someone’s rights, especially of persons with disabilities, refugees or migrants, homosexuals, vulnerable women, indigenous, children, or any other person at risk of being discriminated against or subjected to any violent act.
This year, the United Nations theme is “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights”, to capitalise on the current momentum and spotlight the leadership role of youth in collective movements as a source of inspiration for a better future.