December 10 each year is World Human Rights Day. This date was chosen to commemorate the approval and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly, which took place a Paris December 10, 1948. In fact, the official institution of this day is linked to December 4, 1950, when, during the 317th global meeting, the General Assembly declared the date of December 10 valid to remember the importance of human rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
World Human Rights Day is therefore strongly linked to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The fundamental document, which is also the most translated in the world, establishes the inalienable rights of every human being, without distinction of race, color, religion, sex, political ideology. The tradition of this list of rights sinks into history and its structure is linked to the declaration of the rights of man and citizen of the French Revolution. Today, 73 years after its proclamation, the Universal Declaration continues to represent one of the main instruments for the international protection of human rights. It is also one of the most important milestones in the history of international law.
History
The document was born in the immediate postwar period. At that time, Europe and Asia were suffering the consequences of the Second World War and the world was witnessing dismay at the discovery of the concentration camps. To redeem themselves from the horrors experienced by the war, the 58 countries then members of the UN enclosed in a document 30 articles that sanctioned humanitarian and civil principles. At the basis of this decision was the will of the states to spread the values of democracy, diversity and tolerance throughout the world. The Universal Declaration speaks of all human rights, starting with the right to life.
Not to let your guard down
World Day represents an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the rights of each individual everywhere. On this celebratory day, in the city of New York is assigned the United Nations Human Rights Award. Oslo (Norway), on the other hand, is assigned the Nobel Peace Prize. Alongside these two well-known awards, there are several events that are proposed in the world by international civil and humanitarian organizations. The aim is to educate the peoples of the Earth to the knowledge of their rights.
Throughout history, respect for human dignity has encountered countless obstacles. Even today, rights are trampled on in various parts of the world. The effective dissemination and adoption of the principles has been put at risk on several occasions. It happened with the Cold War, with the discrimination of the 50s in the United States, apartheid in South Africa, the persistence of dictatorial regimes in Africa or Asia. It continues to happen with Islamic fundamentalism. Even in Western countries there is a violation of some fundamental rights. For this reason, the United Nations urges us not to let our guard down. To give each their own contribution to respect everyone's rights.
Fighting for a fairer world
In summary, on World Human Rights Day we must fight together to create a more just world for all. Especially for those who cannot make their voices heard. It is not acceptable that even today, in some corners of the world, especially in those affected by poverty, large areas of the population suffer from a lack or even the absence of basic human rights. This does not only concern developing countries or the Third World. Human rights are a heritage of all humanity. The world day, dedicated to this, should be remembered, celebrated and addressed with attention by every citizen who wants a more equitable and just world.
(Photo: World Human Rights Day, Facebook page)
