Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
Human rights begin where our humanity lies, as embodied in the International Human Rights Day observed every December 10. This day champions the dignity and rights inherent to every individual, echoing the unyielding spirit set forth by the United Nations in 1950. Despite significant strides toward justice, the echoes of oppression remind us that the struggle for human rights continues unabated globally. Historical giants like Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine shaped the foundation of this profound discourse, their legacies still resonating today in our fight against injustice.
Burke cherished tradition and authority as vital, while Paine passionately advocated for individual liberty and equality. His poignant statement, “We pity the plumage, but forget the dying bird,” speaks to our tendency to focus on the superficial while ignoring systemic injustices festering beneath. As we observe Human Rights Day, we are called to reflect both on our past achievements and the journey ahead toward realizing the ideals in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), first established in 1948.
The declaration, a pivotal moment in our collective history, set the stage for global standards of human rights. Yet, the path to full realization has presented challenges; systemic abuses still exist, underscoring the persistent need for vigilance and advocacy against discrimination. The abolition of slavery marked a cornerstone of human rights, led by figures like Abraham Lincoln with the 13th Amendment, though the fight against ongoing racism and inequality endures.
Victories such as the 1954 Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, which struck down segregation in schools, illustrate the arduous battle for rights won through hardship. Despite these achievements, African-Americans faced ongoing struggles for equality, culminating in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a significant milestone in the relentless quest for justice.
Internationally, the story of human rights continues to unfold with the UDHR as a guiding star, reinforced by additional covenants for civil and political rights established in 1966. Eleanor Roosevelt, known as the “mother of modern human rights,” was instrumental in crafting this declaration. Her vision of universal dignity, though she did not live to see its full impact, is honored through the annual Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights.
Despite progress, challenges persist, from rampant gun violence in the US to human rights violations in nations like India, where caste, religion, and gender discrimination plague millions. The complexities of these injustices illustrate the ongoing fight for the rights of marginalized groups and emphasize the importance of advocacy at every level of society.
Gender-based violence, attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and the plight of migrants and refugees seeking safety epitomize the urgent need for awareness and action. Poverty and inequality remain daunting barriers in the quest for global human rights, and climate change only exacerbates these issues.
As we recognize International Human Rights Day, we must pledge to address these injustices collectively. The duty of upholding human rights belongs not only to governments but to all of us. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s profound reminder, we must reflect upon where our commitment begins—within our families and communities, where the essence of human rights is nurtured.
Human rights encompass the basic freedoms and protections inherent to every individual, recognized globally through various declarations and charters. The establishment of International Human Rights Day serves as an annual reminder of both achievements and ongoing struggles. The rich history of human rights thought, influenced by figures such as Burke and Paine, illustrates the evolution of these concepts over centuries. Challenges persist despite past victories, as communities around the world continue to fight against discrimination, inequality, and violence.
The fight for human rights is an unending journey that demands collective responsibility and action. While we have made significant progress, numerous barriers still obstruct the realization of dignity and freedom for all. Remembering Eleanor Roosevelt’s insight emphasizes that the path to justice begins at home, urging us to take action within our own communities. This International Human Rights Day calls us to uphold and advance these essential rights for everyone, everywhere.
