Blog

December 10, 2023

On Human Rights Day, 10 December 2023, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, a milestone celebration called Human Rights 75 (HR 75). Human Rights Day will capture all the moments from this year’s commemoration and seeks to increase knowledge on the universality and indivisibility of human rights, especially among young people, inspire people to create a movement of shared humanity while empowering them to fight for their rights and take action.

10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

 

 

 

2023 THEME: FREEDOM, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

In the decades since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe. The UDHR has since served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants.

However, the promise of the UDHR, of dignity and equality in rights, has been under a sustained assault in recent years. As the world faces challenges new and ongoing – pandemics, conflicts, exploding inequalities, morally bankrupt global financial system, racism, climate change – the values, and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind.

The year-long Human Rights 75 initiative seeks to shift the needle of understanding and action towards greater knowledge of the universality of the UDHR and the activism associated with it.

THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS TURNS 75

“Together, let’s rejuvenate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, demonstrate how it can meet the needs of our time AND advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all”.

Human Rights Day Campaign 2023: Act for Rights Now!

 

https://www.undp.org/georgia/news/human-rights-day-campaign-2023

 

 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The UDHR has become a cornerstone of international law and a moral compass for nations around the world. It has served as the foundation for countless human rights treaties, conventions, and national constitutions. The UDHR's principles have been instrumental in advancing the cause of human rights globally, leading to significant progress in areas such as civil and political rights, economic and social rights, and cultural rights.

Despite the progress made, numerous challenges remain in upholding human rights worldwide. Conflicts, discrimination, poverty, and inequality continue to hinder the full realization of human rights for all. On this Human Rights Day, it is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to the UDHR and to take action to address the persistent human rights violations that continue to plague our world.

 

THREE TRACKS OF HUMAN RIGHTS 75

Join the journeys to commemorate and strengthen a movement for a better world:

1) Promoting universality honours diversity, strengths, and achievements of the many communities striving to address today’s global challenges. It reminds us that human rights are non-negotiable and we reclaim it as a foundation on which to find solutions to our common challenges.

2) Forging the future seeks to harness the potential of latest breakthroughs through all means, including technology, and anticipate the challenges that will benefit from their application.

3) Supporting engagement will work with Member States and all the relevant actors to build a positive force for change with trust in the human rights architecture, faith in its promise, and resources to apply the tools that are necessary to ensure rights are upheld.

 

 

HOW WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO HUMAN RIGHTS

While human rights defenders are on the frontlines of the fight for human rights, we all have a role to play in upholding these fundamental principles. Here are some ways we can all contribute to the advancement of human rights:

 

• Educate ourselves about human rights: Understand the UDHR and other human rights treaties and conventions. Learn about the challenges faced by human rights defenders and the work of human rights organizations.

 

• Speak out against injustice: Raise your voice against human rights violations, whether they occur locally or globally. Use your platform to amplify the voices of those who are silenced or marginalized.

 

• Support human rights organizations: Donate your time, money, or skills to organizations working to protect and promote human rights.

 

• Hold your leaders accountable: Demand that your elected officials uphold human rights principles in their domestic and foreign policies.

 

• Embrace diversity and inclusion: Challenge discrimination and promote understanding and respect for all people, regardless of their differences.

 

CONCLUSION

A year-long initiative focusing on universality, progress and engagement, will culminate in a high-level event in December 2023, which will announce global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights. On this Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the universal principles enshrined in the UDHR. Let us stand united in our efforts to protect and promote human rights for all, everywhere. Together, we can make a difference and build a world where the inherent dignity and worth of every human being are upheld.