Written by Claudia Vermillion, Care Connections Specialist.
Human Rights
Human Rights Day is observed every December 10th. The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Humans Rights (UDHR) in 1948, this document proclaims the absolute rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.
Article 1 of the UDHR states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The idea of equality and non-discrimination are the heart of human rights. Finding the solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous people, African descent, LGBTI, migrants and people with disabilities among others. Equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination, in other words- a human based approach to development is the best way to reduce inequalities.
Human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights as well as the right to development and the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment are central to building a new human rights-based economy that supports better and more sustainable societies for present and future generations.
Human rights have the power to tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis by addressing grievances and exclusion and allowing people to participate in decision-making that affect their lives. Societies that protect and promote human rights for everyone are more resilient societies, better equipped through human rights to weather unexpected crises such as pandemics and the impacts of the climate crisis.