World Human Rights Day 2024: “Our rights, our future, right now”

Every year on December 10, World Human Rights Day is observed to raise awareness about the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Today marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948.

The day observes the importance of safeguarding human rights and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination and inequality.

This year’s theme, “Our rights, our future, right now,” reflects the need for immediate action to ensure human rights are respected in light of global crises. Pope Francis, marking the day, urged leaders to listen to the millions deprived of basic rights by war, calling it “the mother of all poverty.”

Meanwhile, the Conference of European Churches expressed concern over the rising violations of human rights. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira cited the conflicts of war in Ukraine and other global crises, saying, “Violations of freedom of religion and belief, rising inequalities, discrimination, and violations of the rights of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, displaced persons, and Roma remind us of the fragility of these achievements.”

 

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