Human Rights Day: Know the History, Significance and Theme of the Day

Every year, Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 to raise an awareness about the basic human rights of every individual living on Earth. The day is marked to raise awareness among people about their social, cultural, and physical rights which ensures the welfare of everyone. On this day, the United Nations encourages nations to develop equal opportunities for everyone and address the issues of inequality, exclusion, and discrimination. 

History and Significance of the Day 

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a document which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, language, political, national, origin and birth, says the UN. 

The Declaration is the most translated document in the world which is available in more than 500 languages. The UN believes that December 10 is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in re-building the world we want to live in, the need for global solidarity as well as our interconnectedness and shared humanity.

Theme of the Day 

The theme of Human Rights Day 2021 is Reducing inequalities and Advancing human rights. According to United Nations, this year’s theme relates to ‘Equality’ and Article 1 of UDHR which says "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights.

Know the Human Rights 

The basic Human Rights as mentioned by the United Nations (UN) are: 

- The right to life 

- The right to freedom from torture 

- The right to equal treatment  

- The right to privacy 

- The right to asylum 

- The right to marry 

- The right to freedom of thought, opinion and expression 

- The right to work 

- The right to education 

- The right to social services