December 10 is ‘International Human Rights Day’. In 2012, this set annual date marks the 64th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Eleanor Roosevelt holds Human Rights Declaration in English
The day is about the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It became one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations and it was the first global enunciation of human rights.
It’s an opportunity to reflect on the values we hold dear and to observe whether they exist in other regions.
Civilians, activists, peaceniks, kids at school, women who are connected by a metaphysical umbilical mommy cord to each other, journalists and academics… are just some of the individuals who are concerned.
From their purviews, they take interest in who is suffering persecution and violence. Their compassion goes to those whose human rights are being abused. And, people work on how to restore human rights and with it, societal tolerance and individual human dignity.
It’s a good time perhaps, to remember the men and women of the military who are called on to serve in the preservation, and sometimes installation of rights. Sometimes, the transition from concern and creation of rights to reality is in their hands.
This year Human Rights Day falls during the festival of light, Hanukah, in which freedom of expression and of religion is celebrated. It comes in advance of Kwanza in which light is also central to the celebration. And, it comes during the weeks of preparation for families and communities to honor another great light on the human landscape and to hope for peace on Christmas.
Imagine a time when all cultures can celebrate light, and naturally, human rights just as John Lennon sang.
Check out information on the Declaration of Human Rights and the office of the United Nations High Commissioner
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