Human Rights Day: Celebrate Today Around the World
by Cristie Leondis

December 10, 2015

Human Rights Day: Celebrate Today Around the World

Today, Dec. 10, is Human Rights Day, a day that people around the world celebrate and remember when our country adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Two years later, the Assembly passed resolution 423, which invited the United States to observe this day each year as Human Rights Day. On that milestone day in 1948, the document outlined basic international rights norms, changing history.

[Related: Anniversary of Ferguson: Faith Leaders and Activists Unite to Continue Advocating for Justice]

All over the world, activists rally each year on this day, protesting against human rights violations.

United States Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, “On Human Rights Day, let us recommit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all.” While there are many positive reactions from people and on social media about Human Rights Day, there are still many issues our country must deal with head-on. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said, “Of course, many challenges remain. But respect for freedom continues to be the foundation for peace, security, and development for all.”

For example, the international activist movement #BlackLivesMatter campaigns against violence towards African Americans and racial inequality in the U.S. criminal justice system. The movement began with the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2013. Today, the movement remains a strong network, working towards our end goal of equality.

Follow #HumanRightsDay on Twitter today.

 

 

 


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