Defending dignity, equality and freedom as crises and uncertainty deepen
“Human rights are deeply woven into our daily lives. Our rights are so essential to us that we may only notice them when they’re taken away.”
— UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Wednesday’s Human Rights Day arrives at a moment of deep uncertainty and multiplying global crises, with alarming human rights abuses around the world.
“Recent years have brought a shrinking of civic space. We have grave violations that signal a flagrant disregard for rights, and a callous indifference to human suffering,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres
This year, amid mounting challenges, Human Rights Day is a chance to reaffirm the fundamental principles that belong to every person — regardless of nationality, gender, income or any other status. It is a reminder that equality, dignity and freedom are not optional ideals — they are universal rights that must be protected and upheld.
It is also a moment, as Volker Türk notes, to demonstrate that human rights “remain a winning proposition for humanity,” and to recognize that pushback against these rights — anywhere and against any group — harms us all.
The United Nations supports people worldwide in realizing their basic rights: delivering food and shelter; supporting education and elections; clearing mines; protecting the environment; empowering women; and striving tirelessly for peace.
“But we cannot do it alone. This work depends on all people, everywhere, taking a stand. When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive,” the Secretary-General states. “Our rights should never take second place to profit or power.”
As Human Rights Day reminds us, we all have a role to play in upholding the dignity and freedom of every human being.
“We all need to protect the human rights of all, mobilizing and inspiring each other from the courts to the streets to the ballot box,” adds the UN Human Rights Chief.
Get ideas on how to stand up for human rights and join the UN Human Rights campaign by sharing your message on our dedicated website.
To get the latest updates and deeper insights on our work around the world, follow UN’s LinkedIn page and subscribe to our Fast Facts Newsletter for regular updates.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-human-rights-day-asks-us-today-united-nations-0haae/
