International Human Rights Day

Children

by Cassandra Clifford | on December 10th, 2009 | 0 comments

“All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights . . . for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that.” – 14th Dalai Lama

Today we celebrate International Human Rights Day, marking the 61st anniversery of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today is one that continues to inspire people across the globe, transending cultures and borders, as they stand united for human rights for all men, women and children.

The promotion and protection of global human rights became the priority for the United Nations following World War II, as the world united to resolve to see that the horrors the such implausible horrors and massacres occurred. Respect for human rights and human dignity “is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”, the General Assembly declared three years later with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a result in 1950, the UN General Assembly selceted 10 December as Human Rights Day (resolution 423(V)).

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was born from the wounds of the Holocaust, shocking the world over andgiving birth to the word genocide. As we sit in remembrance, yet we do not have to go back some 60 years to remember the monstrous human rights violations that face men, women and children the world over. With countries such as the DRC, Sudan, Iraq, Somalia, Iran, Sri Lanka, Gaza and Afghanistan, are only a few points where we are often left to ask ourselves if we have reached significant progresses or only been met with more setbacks. Despite significant progresses, we are again find ourselves faced with a world wounded by genocide and war. The horrors of abuse, war and genocide are daily, and all too often silenced in our daily lives.

While the global community has made great changes and strides since the declaration was drawn up, it is clear that we have a long way to go to ensure that the Universal Decleration of Human Rights is trully the model the world over. We must work for continued unity and strength in the protection of human rights across the globe, as the most vulnerable continue to face daily hardship and abuse. On this Human Rights Day, let us act as a united global community and hold ourselves responsible for ensuring the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration. Therefore take this day not only to celebrate progress, but to see that the voices of those who dream of freedom, no longer have to dream. Thus let us work as a global community to protect and uphold these rights, so that as the declaration intends, they will never be taken for granted

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