December 10 is International Human Rights Day 2020
Recover better - stand up for human rights

Ranjan K Baruah *

The recent pandemic has hit societies at their base. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medically, socially, politically, economically - revealing new and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities that pose a serious threat of leaving even more people behind. We have seen a gap amongst people since ages and now there might be more similar repetitions due to the impact of the pandemic.

Poverty, inequality, discrimination, exclusion, environmental degradation have fuelled the human tragedy that the world has seen unfolding. The pandemic has reminded us all of a simple truth: a world that fully respects the human rights of all is a world better prepared to deal with and recover from all crises.

One of the important parts of life is having human rights. Starting from the basic rights to others, it is important to have human rights. Human rights are for all, be it a child, an adult, woman, indigenous people, etc. Human rights are crucial during pandemic and post pandemic as no one should be deprived of any rights as all of us are already facing challenges.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, strongly believes, “Working together, we can recover better. With strong solidarity, we can build a world that is more resilient, sustainable and just.”

Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10th December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10th December of each year as Human Rights Day.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on Nationality, place of residence, gender, National or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status. Although the Declaration is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights.

Today the general consent of all United Nations Member States on the basic Human Rights laid down in the Declaration makes it even stronger and emphasizes the relevance of Human Rights in our daily lives.

The theme of this year is “Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights”.

The theme relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts. We will reach our common global goals only if we are able to create equal opportunities for all, address the failures exposed and exploited by COVID-19, and apply human rights standards to tackle entrenched, systematic, and intergenerational inequalities, exclusion and discrimination.

Past observances with themes

o 2019: Youth Standing Up for Human Rights
o 2017-2018: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70
o 2016: Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today
o 2015: Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.
o 2014: #Rights365
o 2013: 20 Years Working for Your Rights
o 2012: My Voice Counts
o 2011: Celebrate Human Rights!
o 2010: Speak up, Stop Discrimination
o 2009: Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination
o 2007-2008: 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
o 2006: Fighting Poverty - a Matter of Obligation, not Charity
o 2005: Torture and the Global Efforts to combat it
o 2004: Human Rights Education

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can ensure human rights for all as violation of human rights should not be encouraged.

The day is observed around the world with different activities and events. We must become a voice instead of becoming a mere victim. The day is an opportunity for us to address the issue and also to take action and make some positive social transformation.


(With direct inputs from UN publication )