Celebrating Equality: Dignity, Freedom & Justice on Human Rights Day 2023 

December 10th marks Human Rights Day, the day when we commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly back in 1948[1]. 

The UDHR is considered a milestone document, outlining the equal and inalienable rights that all human beings possess – regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political view, or other status[1]. It forms the basis for international human rights law today. 

Why Do We Need Human Rights Day? 

Human Rights Day seeks to draw attention to human rights issues around the world and celebrate human rights achievements[2]. It’s a chance for people to stand up for the rights of those whose voices go unheard. Governments, communities, activists, and civil society organizations often mark the day with events, talks, and campaigns focused on human rights issues in their countries and further afield. 

Events Around The World 

• In Canada, events and campaigns focus on topics such as supporting human rights defenders and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.[2] 
• China sees crackdowns around Human Rights Day, with authorities restricting activists and critics.[2] 
• In the United States, the White House marks the day by reiterating the country’s commitment to upholding universal freedoms and human rights protections.[2] 
• Iran witnesses arrests of human rights defenders and restrictions on activities around December 10th most years.[2] 
• Mexico uses the day to highlight issues like disappearances, violence against women, and attacks on journalists and rights defenders.[2] 

So while some countries crack down and try to hide their human rights abuses around the date, others actively celebrate freedoms and raise awareness of the issues people face. 

This Year’s Theme – Dignity, Freedom & Justice For All 

The 2023 Human Rights Day theme is: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”. This focuses on inequalities and barriers people face in enjoying basic rights and freedoms – based on factors

like where they were born, their socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability status. 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a roadmap, “helping to end wars, heal divisions and promote lives of peace and dignity for all,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his 2023 video message for Human Rights Day 10 December. 

Various human rights issues fall under this broad theme, like: 

• Poverty & Hunger: Rising inflation, climate change, conflict, and the economic impacts of COVID have reversed decades of progress in poverty reduction and food security – disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups. Over 800 million people experienced hunger in 2021[3]. 
• Access To Healthcare: Over half the world’s population lacks access to essential health services due to high costs, distance, cultural barriers, and discrimination[4][5]. The pandemic disrupted routine healthcare like immunizations in many countries too. 
• Discrimination: Marginalized groups still face exclusion, stigma, lack of legal protections, and violence in countries worldwide – whether that’s minorities, indigenous groups, LGBTQ+ people, those with disabilities or mental illnesses, migrants, etc[4][5]. 
• Threats To Democracy & Freedoms: Democratic freedoms saw concerning declines in recent years, with restrictions particularly targeting marginalized communities, women, and human rights defenders[4]. Civic space shrunk during COVID too. 

These issues all limit people’s abilities to live freely, safely, and with dignity. So this Human Rights Day is about reminding governments of their obligations and motivating civil society to stand up for those denied their basic rights. 

Why Do Human Rights Matter? 

Human rights touch on those basic standards and freedoms that allow people to lead lives of dignity, equality, and opportunity. When people have their rights respected, they can better reach their full potential and make positive contributions economically, socially, and politically[6]. 

Some key reasons why human rights matter[5][6]: 

Freedom & Equality 

• Rights aim to prevent discrimination so everyone can participate equally, freely, and safely in society. This includes rights like freedom of opinion, expression, and association. 

Physical & Legal Security

• Rights related to physical and legal security protect people’s safety and well-being. Like bans on torture and slavery or rights to privacy, fair trials, and legal aid. 

Adequate Living Standards 

• Rights around adequate living standards cover access to necessities for life, health, and participation in society. Like rights to food, water, housing, social security, health and education. 

Foundations For Stability & Democracy 

• Societies that respect rights and freedoms tend to see greater socioeconomic development, less conflict, stronger institutions, and more representative governance. 

Blueprint For Laws & Policies 

• Governments have a legal duty to respect the international rights treaties they ratify. Domestic laws and policies should uphold human rights too. 

So ultimately, human rights strengthen societies as a whole – creating conditions for people to live together harmoniously while reaching their potential. 

Current Top Human Rights Issues 

While all human rights remain relevant, some issues have come into sharper focus in light of recent global events. 

War In Ukraine 

• The Russian invasion severely impacted lives and livelihoods in Ukraine through deaths, injuries, displacement, destruction, and economic damage[7]. 
• UN investigators found evidence of war crimes like targeted attacks, executions, torture, sexual violence, and forced deportations. 
• The crisis heightened food, finance, and fuel insecurities globally too – deepening poverty and hunger worldwide. 

Afghanistan Crisis 

• After the 2021 Taliban takeover, the country saw rollbacks of rights – especially for women and girls who faced restrictions on work, education, dress, and freedom of movement[7]. 
• The economic crisis, droughts, and disruption of aid fueled worsening hunger, with over half the population facing acute food insecurity this year.

Repression In Iran 

• Protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini – arrested for “inappropriate attire” – were met with brutal crackdowns. Over 300 died and 14,000 were arrested by late 2022, activists estimate[7]. 

Other Issues 

Other top human rights issues globally now include[7]: 

• Repression of dissent and democratic freedoms by autocratic regimes 
• Discrimination, exclusion, and abuse faced by marginalized groups 
• Lack of accountability and justice over human rights violations 
• Climate change impacts intensifying economic, social, and cultural rights crises 
• Persisting conflict, violence, and humanitarian emergencies 
• Public health, digital rights, and ethical concerns emerging from tech advances 

So current crises converged to create immense human suffering – while space for civil society continues shrinking worldwide. 

What More Needs To Happen? 

Progress achieved over decades in areas like poverty reduction, child survival, and education access has stalled or reversed due to intersecting global crises. But this Human Rights Day offers a key moment for reflection and a renewed commitment to respecting rights. 

Place People At The Center 

• Crises response and recovery efforts need to take a people-centered, rights-based approach – identifying those left furthest behind. 

Prioritize Equality & Non-Discrimination 

• Laws, policies, and practices worldwide require reform to tackle all forms of discrimination that limit people’s rights. 

Secure Democratic Freedoms 

• Safeguarding civic space and democratic freedoms needs strengthening globally, so activists and civil society can speak freely and monitor human rights issues. 

Demand Accountability

• Mechanisms for truth, justice, and reparations over human rights violations like conflicts and repression must be established. This accountability can better prevent future abuses. 

Global Cooperation 

• Issues like infectious diseases, conflict, inequality, and climate change show governments must work together multilaterally to tackle areas where rights intersect. 

These steps can put us back on track to fulfilling the vision of the UDHR – securing dignity, justice, and equal rights for all human beings everywhere. 

What Can I Do To Support Human Rights? 

This Human Rights Day on December 10th, here are 5 simple ways you can stand up for human rights[8]: 

Learn More 

• Educate yourself on human rights issues worldwide – what progress has been made and where people are still denied rights. Understanding the challenges different groups face can illuminate how to counter rights abuses. 

Have Discussions 

• Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about your areas of concern – maybe an issue facing a particular country or group resonates strongly for you. Awareness often stems from these personal interactions. 

Support Advocacy Groups 

• Connect with civil society groups working on issues close to your heart and see how to contribute – whether volunteering time, helping spread public awareness through social media, attending events, or donating funds. 

Call For Government Action 

• Pressure political leaders and lawmakers to address rights issues – sign petitions, and participate in protests and campaigns. Remind them of state obligations to respect international human rights laws and standards. 

Make Sustainable Choices

• Make ethical consumption choices – support businesses that demonstrate commitment to human rights through supply chains free of child and forced labor for instance. Be cautious over claims of ‘doing good’ without evidence. 

Individual acts like these may seem small but can ignite social change when people come together. Past grassroots human rights movements show we all have the power to reshape society. 

So this December 10th, I encourage you to reflect on the meaning of universal human rights – then choose an issue where your voice could help progress. There are always opportunities in your community or worldwide to stand up for dignity, justice, and inclusion. 

References: 

[1] Nations, United. “Human Rights Day | United Nations.” United Nations, United Nations, 2023, www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day. 

[2] Safaei, Jalil. “Democracy, Human Rights and Women’s Health.” Mens sana monographs vol. 10,1 (2012): 134-42. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.91303 

[3] Duggal, Hanna, and Marium Ali. “Why Do More than 800 Million People Live in Hunger?” Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 28 May 2023, 
www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/28/why-is-global-hunger-on-the-rise-2. 

[4] Meier, Benjamin Mason. “Human Rights in the World Health Organization: Views of the Director-General Candidates.” Health and human rights vol. 19,1 (2017): 293-298. 

[5] Meier, Benjamin Mason et al. “Human Rights in Public Health: Deepening Engagement at a Critical Time.” Health and human rights vol. 20,2 (2018): 85-91. 

[6] Robinson, Mary. “The value of a human rights perspective in health and foreign policy.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization vol. 85,3 (2007): 241-2. doi:10.2471/blt.07.040287 

[7] “World Report 2023.” Human Rights Watch, 12 Jan. 2023, www.hrw.org/world-report/2023. 

[8] Pogge, Thomas W. “Human Rights and Human Responsibilities 1.” Global responsibilities. Routledge, 2012. 3-35.