Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (resolution 217 A) in Paris on 10 December 1948. To mark the occasion of this most important global pledge 10th December is celebrated as Human Rights Day globally.
The day was established in 1950 after the UN General Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting states and organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day. It is the most translated document in the world and is available in 577 languages.
This document safeguard fundamental human rights universally regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. This Declaration is very significant as it set the first global standard for the protection of human rights of every individual.
Role of Hansa Mehta in shaping the Declaration
Women delegates from various countries played a key role in getting women’s rights included in the Declaration. Hansa Mehta of India (standing above Eleanor Roosevelt) is widely credited with changing the phrase “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal” in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Article 1 of the UDHR
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
Human Rights Day Theme 2024
Theme for this year (2024) is, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” According to the website of United Nations (UN), “This year’s theme is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives. We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. This is the time to mobilize action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.”
Important Facts
First lady of the United States of America from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt was appointed, in 1946, as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly by United States President Harry S. Truman.
She served as the first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and played an instrumental role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At a time of increasing East- West tensions, Eleanor Roosevelt used her enormous prestige and credibility with both superpowers to steer the drafting process toward its successful completion. In 1968, she was posthumously awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize.
Important Quotes
“So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” – John F. Kennedy
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” – Nelson Mandela
“Human rights are under assault […] This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now […] We must stand up for all rights — always.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres
