Celebrating Human Rights Day: A Call for Equality, Dignity, and Justice

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”, Nelson Mandela took the entire world by storm when he made this statement back in 1960 during the Apartheid regime. After all, human rights are an essential segment of one’s existence.

Every year on December 10, the world commemorates Human Rights Day — a day dedicated to honouring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and advocating for the rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social status. Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice, equality, and dignity around the globe.

Inception

The foundation for Human Rights Day lies in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, in Paris, France. The UDHR was a response to the atrocities of World War II and a collective commitment to preventing such horrors from happening again. Drafted by representatives from different cultural and legal backgrounds, the document aimed to establish a common standard of human rights for all people.

Up till now, The UN General Assembly invites all member states and interested organisations to observe this day annually. This day emphasises the anniversary of the UDHR adoption, emphasising the significance of this foundational document for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Sharing the symbolism of this day, Samita Sharma, PGT History at Apeejay School, Pitampura expresses, “In a rapidly changing world, Human Rights Day serves as a critical reminder that the protection and promotion of human rights are essential for creating a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. It encourages ongoing efforts to address existing challenges and adapt to emerging issues that impact the enjoyment of human rights worldwide.”

 The Role of Education

Education plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights. Schools, universities, and educational institutions worldwide have a responsibility to instil values of tolerance, respect, and understanding. By teaching about human rights, educators empower the next generation to be advocates for positive change, fostering a global culture that values justice and equality.

“Being an educator, it’s my responsibility to tell my children about their rights too openly although I have to be very careful while making them understand these rights so that they cannot misinterpret them. What’s lacking is teaching children specifically about children’s rights and how these rights apply to their situations. More also needs to be done to empower children with the confidence to voice concerns in cases where their rights are not respected. The focus needs to be not only on the transmission of knowledge and facts about children’s rights but, as asserted by the United Nations World Programme for Human Rights Education, it must also ensure children acquire the skills to apply their rights in a practical way in daily life. This means teaching children how to take action to defend and promote their rights as and when needed,” shares Maninder Kaur, Coordinator and HOD Social Science department at Apeejay School Model Town, Jalandhar, said.

The Role of Technology

In the digital age, technology has become a powerful tool for advancing human rights. Social media platforms provide a space for individuals to share information, raise awareness, and mobilize support for various causes. However, it also raises concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential for the misuse of technology to violate human rights.

“Human rights are the moral compass of a just society, embodying values of dignity, equality, and freedom. As a social science teacher, I emphasise their foundational role in fostering a fair, inclusive world. In today’s global landscape, their significance cannot be overstated, yet adherence varies across nations. Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless words resonate: “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.” My vision echoes this sentiment—real change begins with individuals honoring human rights in their everyday actions, fostering a collective shift toward a more equitable and compassionate global society,” expresses Geetha Guruvayurappan, TGT Social Science at Apeejay School, Nerul.