Human Rights Day - History, Significance and Interesting Facts

Human Rights Day 2022 Theme

The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on 10 December 2023. To commemorate the day, a year-long campaign to showcase the UDHR by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism. This year's theme is Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all.

Since 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe. It 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, and 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 campaign seeks to shift the needle of understanding and action towards a greater knowledge of the universality of the UDHR and the activism associated with it.

About International Human Rights Day

UDHR was drafted as a common standard of achievement for all people and nations and states that all human beings are entitled to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Human Rights Day is celebrated across the globe by formally organising exhibitions, political conferences, meetings, cultural events and many other programs to advocate for human rights awareness.

The Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected United Nations Member States. These countries have pledged to prevent inequity, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations. Human rights are protected and upheld by international and national laws, and treaties globally.

The 30 rights and freedoms mentioned in the UDHR include the right to be free from torture, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education and the right to seek asylum. It also includes civil and political rights, such as the rights to life, liberty and privacy. UDHR also mentions economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to social security, health and affordable housing.

History of Human Rights Day

The day came into effect on December 10, 1948, and was first demonstrated by the commemorative stamp that was issued by the United Nations Postal Administration in 1952, which received over 200,000 advanced orders. The basic idea behind establishing this day was to set up a common standard of living for all people irrespective of their economic or geographical condition.

The day is celebrated annually with a different theme. The primary idea behind these themes is to commemorate that human rights are the most important aspect of living. In 2014 the theme was "Every Day is Human Rights Day" and in 2016 it was "Stand up for someone's rights today."

Human Rights Day Timeline

A lot of debate was there surrounding Human Rights since the beginning. However, if we try to carve out a timeline, then all of this began in 1865 with the abolition of slavery.

1865- Freedom!- Slavery was abolished in the United States, following Britain, and France.

1941 to 1945- The Holocaust- The Holocaust was a truly horrific period in history and caused the death of 11 million people (and many more tormented), whose lives had been deemed 'unimportant' by Hitler, and Nazi Germany.

December 1948- Right to Human Rights- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted.

2015- Equality for All-Finland passed the Non-Discrimination Act, a requirement for businesses to promote equality and prevent discrimination of employees.

Why is Youth Participation Important in Human Rights Celebration?

According to the UN, youth are the pivotal factors that can help in achieving the development goals associated with these rights. Awareness amongst youth will lead to the adoption of these rights easily.

Historical Events Associated with Human Rights

There are several historical events associated with human rights conducted in the world that can be checked in the section below.

In 1979, Shih Ming organised a human rights campaign in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This event led to the Kaohsiung incident that caused around three rounds of arrests and mock trials and imprisonment of political opponents of the ruling Kuomintang party.

In 1983, Raul Alfonsin, the President of Argentina, decided to assume office on 10th December. This marked the end of the military dictatorship that caused human rights violations in different parts of the country.

In 2004, International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) decided to celebrate December 10 as International Human Rights Day.

Fundamental Rights for Human

Although, UNGA has put forth a list of rights under the Human rights category. At the same time, India has adopted a separate framework for human rights. At present, there are six fundamental rights for humans that can be checked in the section below.

Right to Equality: As the name implies, the Right to Equality ensures equal rights for all citizens. This right prohibits inequality on the basis of caste, religion, gender or place of birth.

Right to Freedom: It provides freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly without arms, freedom of movement throughout the territory of our country, freedom of association, freedom to practice any profession, and freedom to reside in any part of the country.

Right Against Exploitation: This right prohibits any kind of forced labour, child labour, or human trafficking. It also protects a citizen against working without wages.

Right to Freedom of Religion: This right ensures a secular India and enables a person to follow the religion that suits their faith.

Cultural and Educational Rights: This right enables one to protect the culture, and linguistic minorities by enabling them to conserve their heritage and protect them from discrimination.

Right to Constitutional Remedies: This right is for the citizens wherein they can approach the Supreme Court of India to protect themselves from violation of their fundamental rights.