Human Rights Day

Every year, an influential event is commemorated around the globe on December 10th - Human Rights Day. This day holds historical significance as it is the exact date in 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The UDHR, a milestone document, lays down the indivisible rights every individual is entitled to. Simply by virtue of being human, each person has rights that are inalienable, regardless of distinctions such as race, colour, religion, sex, language, political viewpoints, nationality, social background, property, birth, or other similar circumstances.

These profound rights encompass essential aspects such as life, liberty, dignity, equality and many more. The UDHR, available in over 500 languages, has the distinction of being the most translated document worldwide. This just amplifies the global reach and significance of the UDHR. And it is on Human Rights Day that we celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to these principles that form the basis of human existence and cohabitation.

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 inspired more than 60 human rights instruments. These together form an international human rights standard. As a result of these instruments, human rights have been further recognized and guaranteed globally. This growth in recognition has paved the way for protection systems that primarily focus on vulnerable groups. However, more on this will be discussed in Paragraph 3. The High Commissioner's Office plays a pivotal role in these developments. Specifically, their effort in coordinating the yearly observation of Human Rights Day significantly bolsters the cause. It has served, and continues to do so, as the bedrock of the ever-expanding human rights protection system.

Commemorated on March 21st, Human Rights Day in South Africa is a day of remembrance for a tragic event in history. This particular date was chosen to honour the memory of the victims of the Sharpeville massacre, which took place on March 21, 1960. The Sharpeville massacre incited nationwide outrage against the Apartheid regime's stringent laws which enforced racial separation, marking the genesis of the celebration of Human Rights Day. After the African National Congress came to power and under Nelson Mandela’s leadership as the first democratically elected President, Human Rights Day was officially declared a national holiday in South Africa.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights will officially commemorate its 75th anniversary on 10 December 2023. This momentous milestone makes the forthcoming Human Rights Day of even greater significance. We are called to elevate our understanding of the indispensability of human rights for every individual, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality. Let us each apply these principles in our daily lives to further justice, equality, peace and freedom. Consequently, we will celebrate this event with elevated awareness and renewed commitment to these universal principles.

You may also like...