“..That no matter who we are, who we love, or where we live, we have equal opportunities to live in dignity and to pursue our dreams. That from the moment we are born, anywhere on this planet, we have the same rights..” [1]
– Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Being equal does not contradict our differences as human beings. The concept of human rights reinforces this. Which is adopted by all international organizations, associations, and governments.
The international community observes this day every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration. [2]
The formal inception of this Day dates from 1950. And it has become an inspiration for many people to demand the prerogatives of their people. International organizations also sought, through this international day, to highlight the importance of these rights in our daily lives. “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person” Article 3 of the Universal Declaration. Therefore, this day reflects people’s awareness of their prerogatives and demands and adherence to them. Which will serve peacebuilding and achieve cohesion between societies.
The United Nations defines it as: “Rights we have simply. Because we exist as human beings – they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. Moreover, They range from the most fundamental – the right to life – to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food, education, work, health, and liberty.” [4]
Human rights are universal and inalienable; this means that we are all equally entitled to our rights. But they should not be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due process. In addition to that, these prerogatives are Indivisible and interdependent; we all enjoy one set of rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Human rights are equal and non-discriminatory; as Article 1 of the Universal Declaration states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 serves as a guarantee document for all societies regarding human prerogatives. It represents a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations, and it sets out the fundamental human prerogatives to be universally protected. [5]
The Universal Declaration consists of a preamble and thirty articles that affirm the importance of equality and justice among individuals and their right to freedom and peace. “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.” [3] Article 1 of the Universal Declaration.
“All Human… All Equal” was the theme of the United Nations on Human Rights Day 2021. In this sense, and in order to achieve equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination between individuals, all human prerogatives are embodied. As individuals, we must be aware of our rights and strive to enjoy them. Widespread discrimination and inequality, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have posed a threat to human prerogatives and freedoms. Our mission today is to confront discrimination, make our voices valuable, and defend all our prerogatives and freedoms.
Through our initiative, Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, we affirm the importance of respecting human rights, believe that every human being has the right to fully enjoy one’s rights and possess freedom and dignity, reject all forms of discrimination, whether on the basis of color, gender, religion, race or language, and we seek through our goals to achieve equality to build peace and preserve the dignity of the individual.
Also read:
References:
[2] OHCHR
[3] UN
[4] OHCHR
[5] UN