“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, and equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere,” Eleanor Roosevelt, the former first lady of US, once said.
Human Rights Day is observed yearly on 10 December, which marked the time when the universal rights of an individual, regardless of race, religion, nationality, and any status, are held in equal regard. The day was designed to recognize the adoption of a landmark document on human dignity and equality by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
This is due to the fact that the UDHR outlines fundamental rights to which all people are entitled. According to it, everybody should have equal access to rights and freedoms. Those rights include protection against any form of discrimination, the right to life, liberty, education, etc. This UDHR responded directly to the atrocities in World War II and the Holocaust. In addition, it was an international call to action regarding protection of human rights and the prevention of their further violation.
In the famous words of Nelson Mandela, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
The UDHR may not be a legally binding instrument; however, it has influenced countless international treaties, national constitutions, and laws that span across the globe. Even until now, it has served as a cornerstone of the human rights advocacy that helped shape the later legal framework through its 30 articles.
Historical Context of Human Rights Day
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared Human Rights Day in 1950. It was chosen on this date as a commemoration of the adoption of the UDHR on December 10, 1948. This declaration was made in the post-World War II era when the world was in the process of healing from the damages caused by the war and from the gross violations of human rights that had been committed.
War atrocities, most of all the Holocaust, remind the world of the urgent need for global protection to preserve humanity’s dignity. Recognizing that further such atrocities would be avoided only through an integrated international policy, the United Nations was born in 1945 with a major mandate of upholding and protecting human rights.
Drafting the UDHR
It was a very huge task drafting the UDHR, with participation by nations of many different cultural and legal traditions. Eleanor Roosevelt, who was then the First Lady of the United States, chaired the committee in drafting the declaration. The committee consisted René Cassin of France, Charles Malik of Lebanon, and Peng Chun Chang of China, among others, representing different cultural and legal perspectives.
The UDHR was adopted by 48 member states of the United Nations, with no country voting against the provisions. However, eight countries abstained from voting, among them being the Soviet Union and Saudi Arabia. Still, the adoption of the UDHR marked a pivotal moment in the history of the world since it provided for the inalienable rights that people should enjoy.
Key Provisions of the UDHR
The UDHR consists of 30 articles that define a wide range of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Some of its main provisions are:
Right to Equality (Articles 1 & 2): All human beings are born equal in dignity and rights. And everyone shall be treated equally by being on no grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, or any other status.
Right to Life, Liberty, and Security (Article 3): Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Freedom from Torture and Slavery (Articles 4 & 5): No one shall be submitted to torture nor to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Neither slavery nor servitude shall be practiced.
Right to a Fair Hearing: Articles 6 to 11 state that any citizen has a right for determination of his rights and obligations from a public hearing by a fair, independent, and impartial tribunal.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Articles 22 to 27 include the right to work, education, cultural life, and an adequate standard of living.
The principles stated within the UDHR are not strictly considered as a binding force of international law, although such principles have been adopted into many national laws and constitutions. Those principles of the UDHR have greatly affected the production of various other international conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights from 1966 and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights from 1966.
Major Human Rights Laws and Global Impact
Besides the UDHR, several international treaties have been adopted to further protect human rights. The main ones are:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (1966): This treaty binds signatory countries to act with respect to civil and political rights, which include freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and right to a fair trial.
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) (1966): This treaty deals with the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights that include the right to work, the right to health, and the right to education.
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979): This treaty is focused on achieving gender equality and eliminating all discrimination against women.
Convention Against Torture (CAT) (1984): “This convention is aimed at preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
At the national level, India has incorporated human rights protection into its constitution. Articles 14 to 32 of the Indian Constitution guarantee fundamental rights such as equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation. The Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993 established the National Human Rights Commission, which oversees and protects human rights in the country.
Human Rights Day Celebrations and Significance
The Day is observed through events such as webinars, seminars, conferences, and speeches from world leaders across the globe. It aims to raise awareness about the current issues based on human rights, like discrimination, inequality, and oppression, encouraging people to take actions to protect and promote human rights.
In India, the NHRC organizes a main event in New Delhi to celebrate the day with the attendance of prominent dignitaries, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. In 2024, President Droupadi Murmu, along with other key leaders, will grace the event to promote the importance of human rights and reaffirm global commitment toward ensuring equality and justice for all.
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu to be the Chief Guest on Human Rights Day being celebrated at Vigyan Bhavan on 10th December, 2024. May like to refer to the curtain raiser at: https://t.co/K265MtM2sZ pic.twitter.com/aPzx7cBHRp
— NHRC India (@India_NHRC) December 9, 2024
“A right delayed is a right denied,” Martin Luther King Jr. said.
This day is not merely a reminder of rights we do enjoy but the continued strife of millions worldwide. More importantly, it highlights an urgent need to vigilantly address human rights for those most marginalised and vulnerable.
Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Acting Chairperson, said India remained committed to upholding the human rights of every individual.
“This significant day, observed every year on 10th December since 1950, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. For India, this day holds special significance, as Indian representatives made a pivotal contribution to the drafting of this landmark document, which embodies humanity’s shared commitment to dignity, justice, and equality,” said Mr. Sayani.
Engaged for Change: Towards a Brighter Future
This year the theme is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” emphasizing that now is the time to act and revive the global movement for human rights. The day calls for collective action against hate, misinformation, and injustice, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in defending human rights.
The celebration of this day encourages us to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges that still lie ahead. It is an opportunity to honor those who have fought for human rights and to renew our commitment to ensuring that every individual can live with dignity, free from discrimination and oppression.
In the words of Desmond Tutu, “It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.” The Day is not just a commemoration of past achievements but a call to action for a more just and equitable future.
UDHR acts as a beacon guiding our spirits, reminding us that human rights are not some intangible ideas but concrete actions to improve the lot of people all over the globe. Today, we restate our commitment to those ideals and renew our efforts toward striving for a world in which human rights are respected, observed, and enjoyed by everyone everywhere while making sure that the vested interest groups don’t hijack it to provide moral shield to criminals and anti-social elements and put a leash on the law enforcing authorities and forces.
