Mahadeep Singh Jamwal
Human Rights Day, observed every year on December 10th, is not merely a day of reflection, but a powerful call to action. It reminds us that the pursuit of dignity, freedom, and equality is far from over. Let us pledge to create a world where every person lives with respect: free from fear, oppression, and inequality and where human rights are not just ideals, but a lived reality for all.
This day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, a monumental document that laid the foundation for global human rights advocacy. The UDHR is a manifesto of defiance against oppression-it declares that freedom, equality, and justice are not privileges, but rights that every human being is inherently entitled to. Yet, in countries like India, which proudly mirrors these ideals in its Constitution, yet the promises of equality, liberty, and justice are hollow for those still oppressed by caste, gender, and economic inequality. Hate crimes, discrimination, and political apathy toward human rights reveal the cracks in our democratic framework. The state of human rights today is a global disgrace. From the abuse of power to the exploitation of the vulnerable, violations are rampant; Gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise, women continue to endure violence, the marginalized bear the brunt of environmental degradation, forced to pay the price for the greed of a privileged few. Today, the state of human rights across the globe is a stark reminder of the work that remains. From gender-based violence to the exploitation of vulnerable communities, the fight for justice feels increasingly urgent. Hate crimes and political apathy threaten the very principles of democracy, while the voices of dissent are stifled. The cracks in our democratic systems are glaring.
On this Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the words of visionary leaders who have fought tirelessly for human rights across the globe:
4Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General: “Human rights are the foundation of peace, stability, and sustainable development. Let us commit to building a world where dignity and equality prevail for all.”
4Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate: “Let us remember: one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
4Nelson Mandela, Former South African President: “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
4Barack Obama, Former US President: “The arc of history may bend toward justice, but it doesn’t bend on its own. It bends because of people like us who refuse to give up.”
4Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand: “The strength of a nation lies in how it treats its most vulnerable.”
These words remind us that the fight for justice and equality is far from over. Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the architects of the UDHR, wisely stated, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” Change begins within our communities, in our daily actions, and in our refusal to accept injustice.
India, with its democratic ideals and diverse cultural fabric, has a rich tradition of advocating for human rights India, with its rich tradition of human rights advocacy, still faces deep-rooted challenges. While the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights such as equality, freedom of speech, and protection from exploitation, yet, challenges such as caste-based discrimination, gender violence, and the marginalization of certain communities reveal glaring gaps. This is not just a failure of governance; it is a failure of society. Human Rights Day challenges us to demand better not just from leaders but from ourselves. Human Rights Day is not a day for platitudes. The time for platitudes is over-Human Rights Day urges us to take action. This day is a call to arms for all who refuse to accept injustice as inevitable. We must act by:
4Educating ourselves and others about human rights to empower them to stand against violations.
4Engaging locally, volunteering with organizations that uplift marginalized communities and provide vital support.
4Exposing injustice, speaking out against discrimination, abuse, and inequality, and supporting policies that promote fairness and equality.
4Demanding accountability, insisting on transparency from governments, corporations, and institutions, and holding them responsible for their actions.
4Reclaiming democracy, defending our right to dissent and amplifying the voices of the marginalized, for true progress can never happen while the voiceless remain unheard.
Human Rights Day is not about reflecting on the past, it is about revolutionizing our approach to justice and equality. Words will not change the world; action will. The fight for human rights is not someone else’s responsibility-it is ours. If we do not act now, we risk complicity accepting the injustices future generations will inherit.
Let us honor this day by committing to refuse the unacceptable and by striving for a world where freedom and dignity are the norms, not the exceptions. This is more than defending human rights-it is about reshaping our world. Let us dare to dream, to act, and to build a future where these rights are no longer aspirations, but the foundation of a just society. The time to act is now. Together, we can uphold the principles of humanity and create a future where everyone thrives.
