The theme for Human Rights Day 2024 is ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Now.’ This theme makes clear that human rights continue to be relevant in addressing global challenges.
This year, the United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) aims to change people’s minds about human rights and inspire action.
Here are five facts about human rights that are important for everyone to know:
1. Human rights are universal and indivisible
Human rights are not taken for granted by any country; As a human being, it is the right of every human being everywhere. These rights transcend caste, sex, nationality or creed and ensure equality and dignity for all.
These include fundamental rights, such as the right to life as enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the right to access facilities such as education and health, which are essential to ensure human well-being.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) It is an important document that has been translated into many languages. It is available in more than 500 languages.
Human rights are also inalienable, meaning that they cannot be taken away except by a prison sentence under certain legal circumstances, such as due process of law.
2. The human rights of all human beings are equal, indivisible and interdependent
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent. This means that the fulfillment of one right is often linked to another right.
For example, the right to education is essential to the exercise of political rights such as voting in elections. Similarly, the right to health and the right to clean water are essential to the right to life and dignity.
Understanding the interrelationship of these rights is essential to solving complex global problems.
Action in one area can also lead to progress in another, such as gender equality or poverty alleviation. At the same time, ignoring any one right can adversely affect individuals and communities in numerous ways.
3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Turning Point Globally
Human rights are not just abstract concepts; These have been converted into practical standards through various declarations, treaties and bills.
The birth of World War II atrocities, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948. It was the world’s first comprehensive declaration on universal human rights.
As the foundation of international human rights law, 30 articles of the UDHR define fundamental freedoms such as equality, liberty and protection from torture. This Declaration became the inspiration for more than 80 international treaties.
Along with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it forms the International Bill of Human Rights.
4. States have responsibilities and individuals have rights
All countries have ratified at least one of the nine core human rights treaties, and one of their Optional Protocols states the obligation of countries to respect, protect and fulfill human rights under international law.
In addition, these treaties provide a framework for individuals and communities to demand fulfillment of their rights and advocate for change.
Youth-led grassroots movements for policy change, such as Fridays for the Future, show how human rights can strengthen calls for climate justice.
5. Human Rights Day: Platform for Action
Human Rights Day is observed every year to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Yad Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and current struggles in the field of human rights.
“Human rights are about people,” Human Rights said in its video message to mark Human Rights Day: “It’s about you and your life: about your needs, desires and fears, and about your expectations of the future.”
This year marks the 76th anniversary of the UDHR, emphasizing that human rights can act as a preventive, protective and transformative force, especially in times of crisis.