Everything You Need To Know About Human Rights Day 2022
Human Rights Day 2022 is fast approaching with this year’s global observance taking place on December 10th.
Whilst it is business as usual it is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of.
If you’re curious to know a bit about why this day is important, the history, this year’s theme and how you can get involved with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, then carry on reading.
We’ll be discussing everything you need to know within our informative guide…
What Is Human Rights Day?
Human rights are moral principles everyone has, they’re not granted or based on nationality, gender, colour, religion or language.
They include everything from fundamental rights (right to life) to what makes life good – food, education, work and health.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the foundation of all international human rights law.
Its 30 articles are the building blocks of current and future human rights conventions and treaties.
This Human Rights Day 2022 commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR.
Whilst it is not a binding document it has inspired more than 60 standards that together create an international standard of human rights.
Today, there are 30 basic human rights which are recognised across the world.
Human Rights Day History
The United Nations (UN) human rights programme started as a small division at the UN headquarters in 1948.
It was then moved to the Centre for Human Rights in the 1980s.
Throughout the years it has grown in size till what you see today.
It is a common standard of achievement for all people and nations, setting out for the first time the basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all human beings.
Human Rights Day continues to expand with new standards being built on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to address new and upcoming human rights issues.
UN Human Rights has helped achieve a greater protection of rights for the neglected population groups including older people, those with a disability and members of the LGBTI community.
It is constantly evolving in correspondence with the ever changing human rights challenges.
By 1950 it became a day to be celebrated each year before expanding to a week from 2001.
It is one of the very few observed days that is celebrated world wide having been translated in over 500 languages and is the most downloaded document throughout the world.
If you are interested in finding out more information on Human Rights Day then check out the United Nations Human Rights office here.
The website also allows people to share their story, donate to the cause and shares ways that people can get involved to help tackle human rights issues.
Why Should We Celebrate?
Human Rights Day is an important international days of celebration which should be celebrated worldwide.
The United Nations was formed after WW2 to protect people’s rights and freedom and continues to do just that.
Some opportunities we have today would be impossible without the United Nations Human Rights law.
From that there is no better reason why we should celebrate every 10th December.
Whilst things are better than they used to be when it comes to human rights, there are still issues taking place across the world.
How better to improve that than bringing it to attention every year in a continuous effort to make conditions better for everyone?
The world is ever changing and that requires things to be adapted accordingly including the rights of human beings across the world.
So, we need to grab any opportunity we can to help adapt, improve and advocate for those in need – anyone who is vulnerable including those who face abuse, neglect and isolation.
For some interesting information check out National Todays post on Human Rights Day, it will give you further insight into why we should celebrate.
How You Can Get Involved
Human Rights Day may not be able to be celebrated in the traditional way but there are still ways you can honour this day, especially the 75th Anniversary of this momentous day.
To name a few, we can acknowledge the rights we have that others may not have and appreciate the rights we do have as a country.
Acknowledge the work of charities that strive to help people make their lives better, and be grateful for everything you have and the opportunities that you may come across.
Even more of a step to celebrate Human Rights Day is to do whatever you can to make a change towards a better future.
That could include getting involved in a campaign that is close to your heart.
Even the smallest help can make a difference to someone’s life and that is one small step closer to a better future.
Other ways to get involved can include writing your own article for your university newsletter if they have one, or setting up a display on campus to help bring awareness of human rights.
Using Social Media For Human Rights Day
If social media is your thing, then why not make a video in honour of Human Rights Day 2022 – see if you can get it posted on your university’s social media pages!
Social media is a great way to get messages and information out there.
You could start your own campaign and getting fellow students involved can be a fantastic way to celebrate Human Rights Day.
Sharing informative posts on platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook can help raise awareness for current human rights issues.
Even just reposting an infographic can help the spread of information and help people learn more about issues taking place globally.
Such as, people learnt more about the human rights issues and controversies taking place in Qatar during the FIFA World Cup through online platforms.
Whatever you decide to do, even if you just raise awareness of Human Rights day, that is a small effort that contributes to a combined effort to promote, celebrate and improve human rights for everyone.
Everyone deserves the best shot in life, don’t you agree?
Previous Themes Of Human Rights Day
Each year Human Rights Day has a different theme based on the foundations of the UDHR.
Last year’s theme was “All Human – All Equal” based on the principle that everyone is equal including in human rights for a fairer and inclusive community.
When Covid hit in 2020 their theme was “Recover Better” with the aim that human rights were at the centre of recovery efforts when fighting this virus.
Other years included “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights”, getting the younger generation involved in current issues where they can help improve practices for a better future.
Bringing a community together with the stance “stand up for someone’s rights today” it is our responsibility to help raise a voice for those who cannot. “Rights365” to show that human rights is something to fight for everyday.
Also to mention “Speak up, Stop Discrimination” and “Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination” based on the principles of UDHR were everyone is entitled to human rights regardless of how they identify.
Whilst all the themes are different, they have one common goal – to raise awareness of human rights and ensure that everyone has a good quality of life.
It also aims to educate, especially the younger generation about human rights to help the continuous improvement throughout the years. This leads us to Human Rights Day 2022!
Theme Of Human Rights Day 2022
This year’s theme is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”, with the call to action being #StandUp4HumanRights.
This is based on the UDHR principle “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”
The aim of this is to increase knowledge of the UDHR as the foundation for taking actions to stand up for human rights.
On top of this the United Nations Human Rights organisation starts a year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism.
This is to increase global awareness of the UDHR, promote the universality of human rights and empower everyone to stand up for human rights.
We hope you now know more about Human Rights Day and that you join us on the 10th December in celebrating this momentous day.
Don’t forget that getting involved in anyway, whether big or small, can help make this world a better place.
With only a few days to go, why not get together in your student accommodation or on campus and take the time to appreciate what you have and what you could do to help with human rights issues?
If you are into travelling don’t wait till after uni, why not study abroad? Check out our guide on The Top Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad At Uni.