THE10 December 75 years ago, the hope of millions of people who had experienced the horror of the Second World Warto never see those tragedies happen again, was written down with a promise: it was there Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Which has been celebrated ever since and which, today more than ever, must be defended in the face of conflicts, discrimination and injustices that continue to be perpetrated in the world.
Human rights, an always open battle
On the streets of Gaza, in the prisons where dissidents are locked up for their ideasin homes where women suffer violence, in refugee camps where children dream of a better future, in workplaces where dignity is trampled upon: that’s where you have to look today. This is where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not yet a complete documentbut a daily battle.
But there are those who give a voice to those who have none
Yet, in the midst of this darkness, we can also see lights of hope. I am human rights defenders who, in every corner of the planet, risk their lives to protect the lives of others. I am the organizations that struggle to give a voice to those who have none. They are the young activists who, through social media, create global solidarity networks. They are the judges who defend the rule of law, the teachers who educate about differences, the journalists who tell uncomfortable truths.
Human rights are not a gift that someone gives us. They are the moral compass that should guide every political decision, every law, every action. (Getty Images)
The challenge for the community
The 2024 theme, “Rights for Everyone, Everywhere: The Future of Humanity,” highlights the importance of strengthen the principles of equality, dignity and justice in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. And, this year, the day is precisely focused on the importance of collective action to address global challenges which also include economic inequalities and climate change, as well as armed conflicts.
Suffice it to say, he reports the UN Refugee AgencyI am over 122 million people in the world are forced to flee due to persecution, conflict and violenceviolations of human rights or events that seriously disturb public order. And for many of them, especially for refugees and displaced people in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan, «the current one promises to be one of the worst winters ever» adds the UNHCR, launching an urgent appeal to provide life-saving assistance to millions of people.
Human rights, guarantee for peace
«World Human Rights Day reminds us that human dignity is non-negotiable. Human rights are not a luxury, but the foundation of every just and sustainable society. We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind» declared the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres. This is echoed by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: «Today more than ever we find ourselves facing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate catastrophes, impunity, growing inequalities and persistent and extremely widespread gender disparities. But rights are legal, moral and concrete guarantees that apply universally to all humanity. They are essential for human dignity, equality, democracy, peace and sustainable development.”
A revolutionary idea
By commemorating the Declaration, we celebrate not just a historical document, but rather a fundamental idea: that every human being, from the moment he is born, possesses inalienable rights. That no one can be discriminated against for the color of their skin, for their religious belief, for their sexual orientation, for their nationality. That justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. Human rights are not a gift that someone gives us. They are our essence, our common heritage, the moral compass that should guide every political decision, every law, every action. They are like air: invisible but essential for life.
A flame to keep lit
And, then, on this December 10, 2024, as the world faces increasingly complex challenges, from climate change to wars, from economic inequalities to threats to democracy, the celebration of the Universal Declaration takes on even more importance. And it reminds everyone of the responsibility not to be just passive spectators of injustice, not to turn away in the face of suffering and not to allow indifference to become the answer. Every small gesture counts. Every voice raised against injustice matters. Every action in defense of human dignity is a brick in the construction of a better world. Because human rights, even if it seems like it, are not a utopia. And the promise made 75 years ago is still alive. But it’s everyone’s job to keep it lit.
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