Human rights are global norms that demand action by governments and individuals. They are a tool for building societies based on justice and equity, not discrimination and hierarchy. Human rights are rooted in many of the world’s cultures and traditions, as evidenced by revered leaders and influential texts such as the teachings of Confucius (500 bce).
In a world where injustice can happen anywhere, it is vital that people know what their rights are. This helps them hold their government accountable and to call for change when their rights are violated. In addition, it is critical to raise awareness about the importance of respecting and protecting human rights so that they can be upheld for everyone, everywhere, always.
A major milestone in human rights history was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948. It was a ground-breaking document that for the first time put people at the center of international relations, instead of power politics. The UDHR has become a catalyst for change, inspiring communities, movements and nations to rise up against oppression and seek freedom.
Even though every country may violate human rights at times, all governments owe it to their citizens to uphold the UDHR and to work toward its implementation domestically. This can be done through the process of “Universal Periodic Review” where each country is evaluated on their progress in meeting their obligations and responsibilities as stated in the UDHR.