Human Rights Day - 2021

                 This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published at   https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day. The second was published at https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/human-rights-day-2021-date-theme-significance-famous-quotes-and-all-you-need-to-know.html. The third was published at https://www.ninodelacaridad.com/why-should-we-celebrate-human-rights-day/. The fourth was published at https://humanrightshouse.org/we-stand-for/human-rights-defenders    

                                              This year'sHuman Rights Day theme relates to 'Equality' and Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights (UDHR) - "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Equality is aligned with the 2030 agenda and with the U.N. approach set out in the document. This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies. Pervasive inequalities and discrimination are human rights violations and among the greatest global challenges of our time. Addressing them effectively requires measures grounded in human rights, renewed political commitment and participation of all, especially those most affected. We need a new social contract which more fairly shares power and opportunities and sets the foundations of a sustainable human rights-based economy. Human rights have the power to tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis, by addressing grievances, eliminating inequalities and exclusion and allowing people to participate in decision-making that affect their lives. Societies that protect and promote human rights for everyone are more resilient societies and better equipped to weather crises.                                                                                                                                                                                  Every year across the world, Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 to increase awareness about the fact that every person on the planet has fundamental rights. The day is marked to promote the individuals rights. Amid the COVID pandemic crisis, Human Rights Day has become significantly important to urge for erradication of exacerbated poverty, increased inequality, and other societal evils. The U.N. also encourages governments throughout the world to establish equal opportunity for all individuals on this day and to protect their rights. The humanitarian agencies also have the authority to investigate and offer suggestions in cases of human rights breaches. "human rights are not privileged conferred by the government. They are human being's entitled by virtue of their humanity,"  said Mother Teresa.                                                                                                                                                                          Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10th, it was established in 1948, as a way to commemorate that we need to continue striving towards making sure that everyone across the globe is granted fundamental human rights. Now you may be wondering how you can celebrate this day, as it isn't one that we can celebrate in a traditional way. Despite this inability to celebrate it like a normal holiday, there are many ways that we can celebrate this day, such as acknowledge the rights that we have in our country that others may not have, looking at the work that charitable organizations do in our community to help better the lives of others. The next thing that we can do to help celebrate this day is help to make a change. Get involved in a movement, whether it be something small in your community or something larger like participating in a protest for something you care about. Nothing we do on this day has to be large and impacting the entire world, but everything we do has an impact on the world around us, and everything help to promote the celebration on this day.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Human rights defenders work to improve societies and contribute to peace and democracy. They are agents for positive change and development. They are key in protecting against human rights violations. Anyone, regardless of their occupation, can be a human rights defender, they are identified primarily by what they do rather than by their profession. Some human rights defenders are professional, lawyers working on human rights cases, journalists or media workers, etc. Other human rights defenders are not earning revenue from their work in favour of human rights. "I deeply admire the courage and sacrifice of human rights defenders. These individuals and organisations are our eyes and ears and conscience," said U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Threats, intimidation, attacks, and restrictions against human rights defenders are increasing in many parts of the world. The context is that while the situation has deteriorated for defenders, international standards have been strengthened in recent years. The U.N. adopted, by consensus, a 2017 resolution aimed at celebrating the essential role and work of human rights defenders. These trends are of course connected: The more threats and restrictions, the greater the need for a response from the international community.