Human Rights Day

December 10th 2015

Every year on December 10th, Human Rights Day is observed in remembrance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.  This declaration, states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and therefore are entitled to civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights.  It was proclaimed a common standard of achievement for all peoples and for all nations.

This year’s campaign “Our Rights.  Our Freedoms.  Always.” celebrates the 50th anniversary of both the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted in 1966.

Nelson Mandela said, “To deny people their Human Rights, is to challenge their very humanity”.  Everyone should have the right to think and to choose, and yet every day around the world, there are numerous people who continue to be denied their basic human rights and freedom.  Mister Mandela asked all of us to do something, even something small, to make this world a better place, and to help inspire others to do the same.

On Human Rights Day, let us reflect and celebrate 50 years of Freedom…freedom from fear, freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and freedom from want.  Let us draw inspiration from those who made a difference and helped create the Human Rights we have today.  Let us also think about giving back, paying forward, promoting, and defending Human Rights, both for our future, and for the future of our children.