December 10: Human Rights Day

 

Today, December 10, is Human Rights Day, which marks the anniversary of the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or UDHR. 72 years ago today, the UDHR was passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Comprising 30 articles, the UDHR defines “basic rights and fundamental freedoms” for all human beings, notably with no restrictions whatsoever on race, color, religion, sex, language, or political opinion. According to the UN’s website, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is available in 500 languages, making it the most translated document in the world.

What does the UDHR mean to US Together?

Human Rights Day is near and dear to our hearts here at US Together. Many of the clients we serve—and many of our own staff as well—are or were refugees who have suffered egregious violations to their basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. What’s more, the very work we do would not be conceivable without the UDHR. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:

“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”

The very mission of US Together rests on this universal concept—that anyone in need of asylum from persecution has the basic right to do so in another country. That’s why our mission statement reads in part:

“…we welcome refugees from all over the world who are forced to seek refuge in another country due to the inability to stay in their native country.”

Because we agree wholeheartedly with the right of all people to seek asylum from persecution in another country, we must also recognize that this right is increasingly under threat. There are are more than 70 million displaced people around the world, of whom nearly 30 million are refugees. More than half of those refugees are children. These numbers are the highest in history. Read our official statement here regarding cuts to refugee admissions in the United States.

What does Human Rights Day mean in 2020?

The United Nations’ theme for Human Rights Day this year is “Recover Better - Stand Up For Human Rights.” As their webpage states, “human rights must be at the center of a post COVID-19 world.” In particular, this means:

  • Ending discrimination of any kind

  • Addressing inequalities of any kind

  • Encouraging participation and solidarity

  • Promoting sustainable development

How can I learn more?

There are many great resources to learn more about the concept of human rights, the history of the UDHR, and the importance of human rights for refugees. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Did you know that the efforts to create and pass the UDHR were led largely by women? In fact, the very first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights was Eleanor Roosevelt. Learn more about the women who shaped international human rights in this article from the United Nations.

  • Two years ago, standup4humanrights.org put together “30 Articles on the 30 Articles,” a series of documents to help explain the 30 articles of the UDHR and what they mean in today’s world. Click here to learn more about Article 14 and the right to asylum.

  • Want to help your kids understand human rights? The UN has a great illustrated version of the UDHR to help show the concepts. Check it out here!

 
Isaiah BakerCleveland, Columbus, Toledo