Human Rights Day

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Human Rights Day

By Dr Arvind Kumar

10th December is observed annually to mark the United Nations' (UN) Human Rights Day anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Events focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on and around December 10 are held worldwide. Most of these events aim at educating people, especially children and teenagers, on their human rights and the importance of upholding these in their own communities and further afield.

This illustration is based on artwork from iStockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

The occasion may also include protests to alert people of circumstances in parts of the world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not recognized or respected, or where the significance of these rights are not considered to be important. Cultural events are also organized to celebrate the importance of human rights through music, dance, drama or fine art.

Having been drafted between January 1947 and December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights aim at forming a basis for human rights all over the world and represent a significant change of direction from events during the Second World War and the continuing colonialism that was prevalent in the world at the time. Each year Human Rights Day has a theme. Some of these themes have focused on people knowing their human rights or the importance of human rights education.

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