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51黑料 Celebrates... Human Rights Day
Posted 09/12/24
10 December : Human Rights Day recognises the role of human rights in empowering individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow. This Human Rights Day, we can focus on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good.
Human Rights Day is a day to commemorate the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges 鈥� the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948, the UDHR enshrines the undeniable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being 鈥� regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
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What is Human Rights Day?
As a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations", the UDHR is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies.
When the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UDHR, it was proclaimed that societies should "strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance". The UDHR sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. Although the Declaration is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments, which together constitute an international standard of human rights. The UDHR also holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document and is available in 577 languages.
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on 10 December. Prior themes of Human Rights Day have included "Speak Up, Stop Discrimination" from 2010, "Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always" from 2015 and "Youth Standing Up for Human Rights" from 2019. This year, the theme is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now". This theme is a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives and how it affects our future. We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation. This is the time to gather to revive and strengthen a global movement for human rights.
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Show your support
Educate yourself : Start by understanding the significance of Human Rights Day and the UDHR. Familiarise yourself with its principles and the importance of upholding human rights for all. Human Rights Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of those who have fought for and protected human rights. It is also a time to reflect on the future as human rights are an ongoing concern. Continue to educate yourself about current issues and challenges related to human rights globally.
Raise awareness : Share the significance of Human Rights Day with your colleagues through email, team meetings, or other communication channels. Encourage them to reflect on their role in upholding human rights.
Volunteer at a local human rights organisation : Every community has organisations working on human rights and social justice. A few examples include food banks, refugee services, homeless shelters, and more. Most of these organisations need volunteers. Volunteering at least once around this time is a great way to honour Human Rights Day. If possible, consider volunteering on a more regular basis, even if it鈥檚 just once a month or a few times a year.
Advocating Human Rights in the Workplace
Advocate for a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encourage respectful interactions and discourage discrimination or bias. If you encounter situations where human rights are being violated or where improvements are needed within your workplace, don't hesitate to advocate for change through the appropriate channels, such as HR or management. Remember that, as an employee, you play a crucial role in creating a workplace that respects and upholds human rights.
Suggest or participate in educational initiatives within your workplace. This could involve organising seminars, workshops, or discussions on human rights topics. Engage in open and respectful conversations about human rights with your colleagues and encourage a space where everyone can share perspectives and experiences to promote understanding and awareness. Most importantly, treat all colleagues with respect, support those facing discrimination, and speak up when you witness injustice. Help foster an inclusive environment by embracing diversity and appreciating the unique contributions each individual brings to the workplace.
This day is an opportunity to educate, advocate, and collectively strive for a workplace where human rights are not just recognised, but actively protected and promoted, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
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