written by Asli Ertem
“It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal
and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. This year marks the 70th
anniversary of that landmark document.”– Secretary-General António Guterres.
Every so often a thing comes to pass with such an importance that we must stand up and recognize it. We must take on and spread its message as far as our voice will carry. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first and the most fundamental declaration of human rights. It was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the World and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 10 December 1948 in Paris.
Since then, 10 December is celebrated as the Human Rights Day. Different than the previous years, in 2018, the Human Rights Day has a special meaning to it. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of this remarkable document that proclaimed the inalienable rights we are each individually entitled, no matter who or where we are. ‘Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.’ Article 2
Although it may seem like we have a long way to go, there is a lot to appreciate in these statements that acknowledged the freedom and equality we all deserve way back in 1948. Now, On the 70th Anniversary of this universal milestone, The UN Human Rights Office, is calling every person to #StandUp4HumanRights and strive for equality in their actions. As a first step to make a difference I took the Human Rights Pledge*. “When anyones human rights are denied, I will raise my voice, I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.”
Today, on 10th December Human Rights Day, #IChooseAction. Do you?
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