The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Day 2021 is observed annually on December 10, as the Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948.
The Theme – ‘Equality – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights’
The theme relates to ‘Equality’ and Article 1 of the UDHR – All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Aim – To raise awareness about people’s social, cultural, and physical rights and to ensure the welfare of everyone.
Significance – It is entitled to the absolute rights to all human beings irrespective of any race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or another status.
Background:
i.UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/423 (V) on 4th December 1950 and proclaimed 10th December every year to be observed as Human Rights Day.
ii.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India defines human rights as provided under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
About Human Rights Council:
i.The Council empowers to prevent inequality, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations.
Members – 47 elected United Nations Member States
ii.Human rights are protected and upheld by international and national laws, and treaties globally.
Key Highlights:
i.Human Rights is aligned with ‘2030 Agenda’ and the UN approach set out in the document ‘Shared Framework on Leaving No one Behind: Equality and Non-Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development’
ii.This day also includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination especially during COVID – 19 pandemic.
Note – On 10th December the five-yearly United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights and Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.
Human Rights & SDG Goals:
Human rights is the vital part of the sustainable development goals (SDG)
Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities – Paves way for achievement the goal of 2021 human rights day.
About United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
President – Abdulla Shahid (Maldives)
Headquarters – New york, United States (US)
