When the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, it was a revolutionary moment.
For the first time in history, all nations came together to agree on a common set of human rights standards, applicable to all human beings, everywhere.
The Declaration emphasized rights and freedoms that were universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent, and inalienable, and recognized the equality, dignity, and worth of every person.
On Saturday, December 10, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will launch a year-long campaign to promote and recognize the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, which will be celebrated on December 10, 2023.
The campaign will focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a unifying force and its potential to transform lives, bring peace and build consensus by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism. The motto is “Dignity, Liberty and Justice for All”.
In South Africa, December 10 also marks the entry into force of the country’s Constitution. This commemorative convergence was a worldwide symbol of Nelson Mandela.
He chose to sign the Constitution into law on International Human Rights Day to show that just as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged from two brutal world wars, South Africa’s Constitution could be a unifying force as the country emerged from a dark and violent past.
The Declaration has stood the test of time.
Since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have advanced. We know that human rights are the catalyst for progress because they have already demonstrated their potential. The rights of women, children, youth, people with disabilities and migrants have been written into law and discrimination has been challenged. Large swaths of the world are no longer under colonial rule and repressive regimes.
The Declaration embodies the values of many globally revered icons who have fought for social justice. It has inspired social movements for greater protection of human rights.
In the 48 years between the adoption of the Declaration and the promulgation of the South African Constitution, the Declaration inspired millions of people to continue to fight against racism and colonialism and to stand up for freedom and equality.
The universality of rights in the declaration was evident in those who fought against the apartheid regime in South Africa. They were part of a global movement for freedom and justice. The Freedom Charter, which greatly influenced the Constitution, was inspired by the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, the South African Constitution is internationally acclaimed as one of the most progressive in the world and its Bill of Rights is almost a reflection of the statement.
a beacon of light
The Declaration’s promise of dignity and equal rights is under attack. The climate crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, increased conflict, economic instability, misinformation, racial injustice, rising inequality, and global setbacks in women’s rights are all challenges that require us to let us reorient with the Declaration.
Many people are exasperated and have lost faith in programs and policies and the perceived inaction of governments and institutions that are meant to protect human rights.
Guided by the Declaration, we need to renew the social contract between governments and people and within societies. The values inherent in the Declaration will help us rebuild trust and adopt a common agenda on the path towards fair and sustainable development.
The Declaration, an enabler of activism
New movements, young activists and bold leaders continue to challenge the status quo and revive the spirit of the Declaration, with new ideas to protect and promote human rights.
The Declaration continues to be an enabler of activism. The articles of the Declaration find expression in the fight of the #MeToo movement and #TotalShutDown against gender violence and femicide; the call for radical climate action to protect the environment and livelihoods; the demands of young people for a better provision of services and decent living conditions; and the unwavering conviction of human rights defenders who risk their lives for others.
Emboldened by our solidarity and common purpose, we must continue to work together to breathe new life into the Declaration and achieve the fast-approaching 2030 sustainable development goal target.
Today, at sunset on the 25ththe year of the anniversary of the Constitution of South Africa that has established a society based on democratic values, stands on the 75th anniversary of the Declaration that was, is and will be a standard bearer of equality, freedom and dignity for generations to come.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Constitution are proof that it is in our power as human beings to solve the biggest crises of our time if our solutions are based on human rights.
May dignity, freedom and justice reign.
Abigail Noko is the regional representative for southern Africa at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
