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When is International Human Rights Day?
International Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. 'Human rights' refer to basic rights or freedoms that include people's right to live, health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights.
This day is observed to promote equality, peace, justice, freedom and the protection of human dignity. Every individual is entitled to rights irrespective of race, colour, religion, sex, language, or social status.
The atrocities of the Second World War made the importance of human rights an 'international priority'.
About International Human Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world and available in more than 500 languages. Every year, the United Nations chooses a different theme for Human Rights Day to make this day of celebration more impactful and encouraging. UDHR was drafted as ‘a common standard of achievement for all people and nations', and states that all human beings are entitled to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Human Rights Day is celebrated across the globe by formally organising exhibitions, political conferences, meetings, cultural events and many other programs to advocate for human rights' awareness.
The Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected United Nations Member States, which are empowered to prevent inequity, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights' violations. Human rights are protected and upheld by the international and national laws, and treaties globally.
Rights included in the UDHR
The 30 rights and freedoms mentioned in the UDHR include the right to be free from torture, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education and the right to seek asylum. It also includes civil and political rights, such as the rights to life, liberty and privacy. UDHR also mentions economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to social security, health and affordable housing.
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