Stand up for someone's rights today!

Ranjan K Baruah *

Every individual on earth has human rights but problem comes when those rights are violated. There are different forms of human rights violation which may start from home like domestic violence.

Presence of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is a big question when it comes to human rights. Every individual whether child or adult must enjoy their human rights but due to many reasons we could hear news related to human rights violations.

There may be some different laws in different countries but universal declaration of human rights is for all. One of the important occasions related to human rights is the human rights day which is observed around the world.

Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 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 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.

When the General Assembly adopted the Declaration, with 48 states in favour and eight abstentions, it was proclaimed as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations", towards which individuals and societies should "strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance".

Although the Declaration with its broad range of political, civil, social, cultural and economic rights is not a binding document, it inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights.

This year's Human Rights Day campaign, "Stand up for someone's rights today!", is based on the Declaration's fundamental proposition that each one of us — everywhere and at all times — is entitled to the full range of human rights, and that it's everyone's responsibility to uphold them. Many of us are fearful about the way the world is heading.

Disrespect for basic human rights continues to be widespread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. It's our time to take a stand. We must defend someone's rights.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General on his message said that " at a time of multiplying conflicts, intensifying humanitarian needs and rising hate speech, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that recognition of "the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world".

Step by step, we can build a future based on our shared values of equality and human dignity." He also added that "upholding human rights is in the interest of all. Respect for human rights advances wellbeing for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our interconnected world."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on his message said that "it's time for each of us to step up for human rights. There is no action that is too small: wherever you are, you can make a difference. Together, let's take a stand for more humanity"

Justice HL Dattu, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission on his message said that "The Preamble of the Constitution of India and the Articles relating to the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy make the protection of human rights a Constitutional obligation of the State as well as the duty of a citizen.

" He also added that "let us join hands to create a society in which human rights of every individual are respected and protected in our quest for the growth and development of our great nation."

Let us stand up for someone's rights every day and it is possible for us .It starts with each and every one of us. Step forward and defend the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBT person, a woman, a child, indigenous peoples, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence.

Acts like AFSPA must be repealed for ensuring human rights for all individuals specially in North Eastern region. Let us all be a voice for human rights and not a victim. If we do not raise voice for others tomorrow we might be at risk. (With inputs from UN publication ) Amazon Great Indian Festival-Diwali Offer Tags: