Global Commitments: Celebrating Human Rights Day

December marks the International Day of Human Rights, signifying the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The UDHR was the first of its kind, a document detailing the fundamental rights to which everyone is entitled by virtue of being human. Each year, countries, international organizations and people around the world celebrate this day to acknowledge the exceptional progress that has been made in the fight for human rights, and the continuous work that must be done to uphold them.

While there have been many advancements in human rights protections that deserve celebration, it is important to recognize that the battle for universal justice is far from over. Across the globe, millions of people continue to experience grave violations of their human rights on account of their gender, age, sexuality, and disability. These daily injustices highlight the need for progress that is still to be made.

The International Day for Human Rights gives us a chance to reflect on the progress that has been made and our roles in ensuring human rights are realized for all regardless of background.

Pedro Leao Velloso, Minister of State for Foreign Relations, Chairman of the Delegation from Brazil, signing the Charter of the United Nations, Photo obtained from UN.org

The History of the United Nations and the UDHR

After the Second World War, the  international landscape of Europe had been drastically altered, and the ways that governments, neighbouring states, and individuals navigated their relations in that time continue to profoundly shape the world we live in today. Internationally, the cost of hate was evident. Six million people had died in the Holocaust, a devastating loss that reached catastrophic levels as a result of contempt, discrimination, and violence. The international community was clear: They wanted peace. (United Nations, History). For months following World War II, global leaders, scholars and international experts worked together to draft the United Nations Charter. Following this, it was officially adopted at the General Assembly meeting on December 10, 1948 (United Nations, History). The nations that accepted the terms of the charter pledged to follow the framework outlined in the charter for navigating state relations, which required that countries maintain, work towards and favour peace in all international interactions.

The UDHR’s conception consisted of a diverse group of scholars, lawyers and politicians from around the world. René Cassin (France), Alexander E. Bogomolov (USSR), Charles Dukes (Great Britain), Eleanor Roosevelt (United States), Peng Chun Chang (China), Charles Habib Malik (Lebanon), William Hodgeson (Australia), Hernan Santa Cruz (Chile), and John Peters Humphrey (Canada) were all founding members for the UDHR Drafting committee, and are accredited with the inception of the Declaration (United Nations UDHR Drafting History, 2023).

This marked a revolutionary approach to international relations, explicitly outlining fundamental freedoms for all and establishing a foundation for peace, justice and liberty (Amnesty International). Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a legally binding document, its acceptance by multiple countries has shaped decades of policy and international relations around the world. Presently, 192 states recognize the UDHR as a guide to human rights protections and recognition in their state. 

Image of Eleanor Roosevelt examining the draft of the UDHR as chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, photo obtained from History.com

Today in Human Rights

Unfortunately, many people around the world continue to experience human rights violations, lacking imperative protections to ensure they are safe and supported. Governments have a responsibility, as stated in their agreement among other states, to protect the human rights of their people. 

Despite this, these obligations are still, at times, far from being met. Many governments continue to criminalize LGBTQIA+ identities, with approximately 67 countries currently upholding punishments for queer people that span from imprisonment, public shaming and even death (#OUTLAWED). Likewise, many other countries continue to perpetuate discriminatory social norms that contribute to the oppression of women and the widening of the gender gap, particularly in education, employment and freedom of autonomy (CNN Gender Inequality). 

These two examples directly contradict Articles one and two of the UDHR, discriminating on account of gender, sexuality or gender expression. Additionally, many governments continue to fall short in protecting their people’s rights by failing to dismantle barriers to living a meaningful life, particularly when it comes to accessing essential supports. When governments do not provide adequate and accessible healthcare, safe working conditions, housing and education, serious risks to individuals’ wellbeing are presented (Canadian Human Rights Commission). Many communities continue to face challenges to their human rights. Migrant workers, women, and children are especially vulnerable to human rights violations (Human Rights Watch). Governments, organizations and laws must work together to ensure the safety, security and dignity of all persons. 

Screen capture of Articles 1-3 from the UDHR, photo obtained from UN.org

What You Can Do This December 10 

While the International Day of Human Rights marks the milestones we’ve made in achieving human rights worldwide, it also serves as a reminder that meaningful change requires collective action. First, we must recognize the ongoing human rights violations that continue to occur both locally and globally. Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person is deserving of fundamental rights, freedoms, and dignity. 

Meaningful and sustainable change starts small. You do not need to be a policymaker or international diplomat to make a difference, and fight for justice. Local engagement, education, and advocacy are powerful avenues for change. 

On this International Day of Human Rights, consider supporting the work of these amazing human rights organizations: 

• Amnesty International Canada

• Canadian Centre for Child Protection 

• The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

• Ribbon Rouge 

• Equitas

• Egale Canada 

• The HIV Legal Network

• The Canadian Museum for Human Rights 

• The Canadian Native Friendship Centre 

• Indigenous Youth Roots 

• Black Legal Action Centre

Writer: Marilynn Burch-Harvey

Featured Image: Group of women examining the UDHR, ontained from UN.org

Works Cited

Amnesty International. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Amnesty International Canada, https://amnesty.ca/universal-declaration-human-rights.

Canadian Human Rights Commission. “Housing as a Human Right.” Canadian Human Rights Commission, https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/individuals/right-housing/housing-human-right.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights. “The People Behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Canadian Museum for Human Rights, https://humanrights.ca/story/people-behind-universal-declaration-human-rights.

CNN. “Gender Inequality: The World’s Worst Countries.” CNN Health, 11 Oct. 2016, https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/health/gender-inequality-worst-countries.

Human Rights Watch. “#OUTLAWED: ‘The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name’.” Human Rights Watch, https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws.

United Nations. “History of the United Nations.” United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un.

United Nations. “Milestones: 1941–1950.” United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un/1941-1950.