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PEACE, DIGNITY AND EQUALITY IN THE RESTIVE NORTH-WEST REGION.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It is the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Celebrated this year under the theme: EQUALITY-Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights, this year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to 'Equality' and Article 1 of the UDHR states that “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. Equality is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and with the UN approach set out in the document Shared Framework on Leaving No One Behind: Equality and Non-Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development. This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, migrants and people with disabilities, among others.

 

Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, in other words - a human rights-based approach to development - is the best way to reduce inequalities and resume our path towards realising the 2030 Agenda.

 

Rampant poverty, pervasive inequalities and structural discrimination are human rights violations and among the greatest global challenges of our time. Addressing them effectively requires measures grounded in human rights, renewed political commitment and participation of all, especially those most affected. There is an urgent need for a new social contract which fairly shares power, resources and opportunities and sets the foundations of a sustainable human rights-based economy.

 

On Human Rights Day, 10 December, we are choosing to take the path that brings us towards a future with equality at its core. At the heart of human rights lie the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Equality has the power to help break cycles of poverty; it can give young people the world over the same opportunities; it can help in advancing the right to a healthy environment; it can help tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis.

Equality means everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines, not just wealthy nations, and that everyone can live in dignity, no matter who they are or where they were born.

Equality also means that we embrace our diversity and demand that all be treated without any kind of discrimination.

 The clarion call on this year’s Human Rights Day, is for a new social contract. This means addressing pervasive inequalities and structural discrimination with measures grounded in human rights. It requires renewed political commitment, the participation of all, especially the most affected, and a more just distribution of power, resources and opportunities.

 


Equality and non-discrimination are the key to prevention of some of the biggest global crises of our time. Human rights have the power to tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis, by addressing grievances, eliminating inequalities and exclusion and allowing people to participate in decision making that affects their lives. 

 Societies that protect and promote human rights for everyone are more resilient and sustainable, and stand better equipped to weather unexpected crises such as pandemics. 

 

The human right to mental health is a matter of ever-increasing importance, despite involving a long-standing history of inequality. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go. The successful repeal or supersedence of legislation criminalizing suicide in many countries has led the way for legal and policy environments that acknowledge the autonomy, agency and dignity of individuals experiencing mental health issues.

Ultimately, we all have a role to play in promoting equal rights and ensuring that no one is left behind. This is your opportunity to play a part. Join the moving train to ensure the right to mental health for all.

 Happy International Human Rights Day!

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