INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
The International Day of Human Rights is celebrated annually on December 10th. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitle d to as a human being, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. The International Day of Human Rights serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights and promotes awareness and understanding of the principles outlined in the UDHR. It aims to encourage individuals, organizations, and governments to uphold and protect human rights and to address human rights violations worldwide. On this day, various events and activities take place globally to raise awareness about human rights issues and promote respect for human dignity. These activities may include seminars, conferences, exhibitions, cultural performances, and campaigns by human rights organizations, civil society groups, and governments. They highlight the importance of human rights education, advocacy, and the need to address ongoing challenges related to human rights violations. The International Day of Human Rights reaffirms the fundamental principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all individuals and serves as a call to action to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
On the International Day of Human Rights, various activities are organized globally to raise awareness, promote human rights, and advocate for their protection. Here are some common activities that take place:
1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights groups often start public awareness campaigns to educate the public about human rights, their significance, and ongoing human rights issues.
2. Human Rights Conferences and Seminars: Many conferences, seminars, and workshops are organized to discuss and address human rights challenges. These events bring together experts, activists, policymakers, and academics to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and propose solutions.
3. Exhibitions and Artistic Performances: Art exhibitions, photography displays, and artistic performances such as theater, music, and dance are organized to showcase human rights-related themes and express solidarity with victims of human rights abuses.
4. Human Rights Film Festivals: Film festivals featuring documentaries, short films, and movies with human rights themes are organized to raise awareness and promote dialogue on human rights issues.
5. Panel Discussions and Lectures: Panel discussions and public lectures are held at universities, community centers, and other venues to explore human rights topics, discuss current challenges, and propose solutions.
6. Human Rights Awards: Organizations and governments may present human rights awards to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights.
7. Social Media Campaigns: Social media platforms are utilized to launch campaigns and share human rights messages using hashtags, infographics, videos, and personal stories. These campaigns aim to engage a wider audience and generate conversations around human rights.
8. Peaceful Demonstrations and Protests: Peaceful demonstrations and protests may be organized to draw attention for specific human rights issues or to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
These activities vary from country to country and are organized by a range of actors, including governments, NGOs, human rights organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. The purpose is to generate awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize action to promote and protect human rights for all.
Begmuhammet ORAZOV,
1st year student of the faculty of International Law
of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.