Human Rights Day 2024, Theme, History, Significance

Human Rights Day 2024 celebrated every year on 10th December is dedicated to promote protection of fundamental rights and freedom of all individuals. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on this day in 1948. This article is going to discuss the theme, significance and the various human rights . 

Human Rights Day 2024 Overview

Human Rights Day 2024 aims to spread awareness about human rights education among the youth and the significance of promoting the values of equality, justice and dignity from an early age. The day reaffirms the importance of committing towards safeguarding human dignity for the nation and its citizens. 

Human Rights Day Origin 

Human Rights Day’s origin can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II when a drafting committee was appointed under the chairmanship of Eleanor Roosevelt to ensure such wars and atrocities would not occur again. This led to the adoption of Universal declaration of Human Rights on 10th December 1948 eventually being formally established in 1950 by resolution of United Nations General Assembly. 

Since the formal establishment of the day, every year the day aims to spread awareness about the significance of human rights and address the ongoing challenges like discrimination and oppression worldwide. 

Human Rights Day 2024 Theme

Human Rights Day 2024 Theme is “ Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. This theme highlights the importance of immediate attention required towards human rights education. This year the goal is to present the impact of human rights through practical examples and reasonable solutions. The focus will be on breaking down misconceptions and strengthening the global human rights movements. 

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a landmark document comprising 30 articles that define the fundamental rights and freedoms entitled to every individual. It represents the first universally acknowledged framework for the protection and promotion of human rights globally.

Human Rights declared by UDHR

There are 30 Human Rights put forward by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to provide a framework for dignity and freedom. The list of these human rights is as follows: 

1. Right to freedom and equality (Article 1)
2. Freedom from discrimination (Article 2)
3. Right to life, liberty, and security (Article 3)
4. Freedom from slavery (Article 4)
5. Freedom from torture or cruel treatment (Article 5)
6. Right to recognition before the law (Article 6)
7. Equal protection under the law (Article 7)
8. Right to an effective legal remedy (Article 8)
9. Freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention (Article 9)
10. Right to a fair and public trial (Article 10)
11. Presumption of innocence (Article 11)
12. Right to privacy and protection from attacks (Article 12)
13. Freedom of movement and residence (Article 13)
14. Right to seek asylum (Article 14)
15. Right to a nationality (Article 15)
16. Right to marriage and family (Article 16)
17. Right to own property (Article 17)
18. Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Article 18)
19. Freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19)
20. Freedom of peaceful assembly and association (Article 20)
21. Right to participate in government (Article 21)
22. Right to social security (Article 22)
23. Right to work and fair employment (Article 23)
24. Right to rest and leisure (Article 24)
25. Right to an adequate standard of living (Article 25)
26. Right to education (Article 26)
27. Right to cultural participation and protection of intellectual property (Article 27)
28. Right to a social and international order for rights realization (Article 28)
29. Duties to the community (Article 29)
30. Protection against acts that destroy rights (Article 30) 

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

United Nations Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body under the United Nations responsible for protecting human rights across the globe. It replaced the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2006. UNHRC has an important role in shaping international human rights law and ensuring that these laws are being followed by all the governments across all nations. The organisation includes 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly and holds regular meetings to review the reported issues and provide suggestions and recommendations. 

National Human Rights Commission

National Human rIGHTS Commission of India is a statutory body established in 1993 under the Indian Constitution with respect to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The commission aims to protect and promote human rights of India. All the complaints relating to human rights violations are handled by the commission including providing resolutions and suggestions.