The United Nations (UN)’s Human Rights Day (HRD), also known as International or World Human Rights Day, is annually observed on 10th December worldwide to raise awareness about human rights, transcending distinctions of race, colour, religion, gender, origin, or status.
- The day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
- 2024 celebrates the 76th anniversary of the UDHR, alongside the 31st anniversary of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Theme:
The theme of HRD 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”
- The theme highlights recognising the importance of human rights in daily life, encouraging action against hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation to revive a global movement for human rights.
Background:
i.On 4 December 1950, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/423 (V) and declared the 10th December of every year as HRD.
ii.The first-ever HRD was observed on 10th December 1950.
Why 10th December?
On 10th December 1948, the UNGA adopted resolution 217 (III) in Paris, France proclaiming the declaration, which outlined fundamental human rights to be protected worldwide as a common standard for all nations and peoples.
About UDHR:
i.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a key document in human rights history.
ii.The UDHR is considered the inspiration for over 70 human rights treaties that are currently enforced both globally and regionally.
iii.It was created by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds worldwide, outlined fundamental human rights to be protected everywhere and has been translated into over 500 languages.
- It is available in 577 languages, from Abkhaz to Zulu, making it the most translated document in the world.
iv.The first animated version of the UDHR was created by the UN in collaboration with French digital artist YAK (Yacine Ait Kaci), whose character Elyx is the UN’s first digital ambassador.
- The animation used symbols to bring the 30 Articles of the Declaration to life.
Event 2024:
i.On December 10, 2024, UN Human Rights, alongside Germany and New Zealand’s Permanent Missions, held a discussion on human rights, climate action, and future generations at the German House Auditorium, New York, USA, followed by a screening of High Tide Don’t Hide.
ii.Exhibitions in New York showcased photography on human rights issues, including indigenous rights, the Nazi genocide of Roma and Sinti, sexual violence in conflict, and Palestinian struggles.
Events in India:
i.On 10th December 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted a program at the Plenary Hall of Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to mark HRD, with President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest.
- The event was followed by a National Conference on ‘Mental Well-being: Navigating Stress from Classroom to Workplace.’
ii.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) released three publications, including Hindi and English journals with scholarly articles on human rights issues by experts, and a book titled ‘Advisories’ issued by the NHRC to protect human rights.
Initiatives:
i.The NHRC has increased its outreach through the Human Rights Commission Network (HRCNet) Portal, enabling people to file complaints online and track their status in real-time, while connecting with state authorities.
ii.The 2022 Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, the Green Credit Initiative, and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement demonstrate India’s commitment to building a clean and green planet for future generations.
HSHS Campaign:
i.The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), organized the three-week “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” (HSHS) campaign, launched on World Toilet Day (November 19) and ending on December 10.
- A campaign that connects World Toilet Day to Human Rights Day.
ii.The HSHS slogan, ‘Shauchalay Saware, Zindagi Nikhare,’ committed to #ToiletsForDignity, is advocating for the dignity and respect of every individual.
iii.DDWS in collaboration with My Government (MyGov), organized a Toilet Photography Contest to celebrate HSHS, raising awareness about Open Defecation Free (ODF) sustainability and the goals of ‘Sampoorna Swachhata’.
iv.The HSHS campaign achieved remarkable milestones with over 50,500 events held across states and union territories (UT), engaging more than 38 lakh people.
About the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
UNHRC is an intergovernmental body within the UN system, consisting of 47 members, with the mission to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
President– Omar Zniber
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 2006
