Human Rights Day 2013
By Dr Arvind Kumar
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In order to safeguard human rights and make people aware of their rights world wide, 10th December is observed annually to mark the United Nations’ (UN) Human Rights Day anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Events focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on and around December 10 are held worldwide. Most of these events aim at educating people, especially children and teenagers, on their human rights and the importance of upholding these in their own communities and further afield.
The ocassion may also include protests to alert people of circumstances in parts of the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not recognized or respected, or where the significance of these rights are not considered to be important. Cultural events are also organized to celebrate the importance of human rights through music, dance, drama or fine art.
Having been drafted between January 1947 and December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights aim at forming a basis for human rights all over the world and represent a significant change of direction from events during the Second World War and the continuing colonialism that was prevalent in the world at the time. Each year Human Rights Day has a theme. Some of these themes have focused on people knowing their human rights or the importance of human rights education. Human Rights are being violated in many parts of the world and many people are being denied their basic rights of food and shelter. International community is called upon to ensure that violation of Human Rights is minimized.
“As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, let us intensify our efforts to fulfill our collective responsibility to promote and protect the rights and dignity of all people everywhere.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
