Drafts of the first versions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human Rights Day: 5 Key Points Everyone Needs to Know Human Rights
Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December, serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of equality, justice and dignity for all people on earth. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future – Now,” highlights the enduring relevance of human rights in addressing global challenges.
Here are five key facts about human rights that everyone should know:
1. Human rights are universal and inalienable
Human rights are not granted by states – they belong to everyone. They do not depend on race, gender, nationality or creed, and ensure the inherent equality and dignity of all.
Human rights include fundamental rights such as the right to life, enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as those that ensure a full existence, such as access to education and health care.
Human rights are inalienable, meaning that a person cannot be deprived of them except in special legal circumstances, such as imprisonment following due process of law.
2. Human rights are equal, indivisible, and interdependent
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent, meaning the realization of one right often depends on others.
For example, the right to education is crucial to the enjoyment of political rights, such as the right to vote. Likewise, the right to health and access to clean water are vital to the right to life and dignity. Understanding this relationship is essential to addressing complex global challenges.
Addressing one issue can lead to progress in other areas, such as gender equality or poverty reduction, while ignoring even one right can create a ripple effect and harm individuals and communities.
3. The Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Global Milestone
Born in the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II and adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the world’s first comprehensive statement of the existence of universal human rights.
A foundation stone of international law, the Universal Declaration’s 30 articles set out key freedoms, from equality and liberty to protection from torture. The Universal Declaration has served as a catalyst for the adoption of more than 80 international treaties.
Together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Universal Declaration forms the International Bill of Human Rights.
4. States have obligations, individuals are supported
All states have ratified at least one of the nine core human rights treaties, as well as one of the nine optional protocols. This means that states have obligations and duties under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights.
At the same time, human rights treaties provide a framework for individuals and communities to claim their rights and advocate for change.
5. Human Rights Day: A Platform for Action
Human Rights Day provides a platform to reflect on both the achievements of human rights and the ongoing struggle to uphold human rights around the world.
“Human rights are about you and your life: your needs, your desires and your fears. They are your hopes for the present and the future,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a video message on the occasion of the Day.
This year, on the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN is emphasizing the importance of human rights as a preventive, protective and transformative force, especially in times of crisis.