Dec. 10 is International Human Rights Day, which is dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of every human being. The day is intended to raise awareness and advocate for positive changes for people all over the world.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights “was adopted by the newly established United Nations on 10 December 1948, in response to the ‘barbarous acts which […] outraged the conscience of mankind’ during the Second World War. Its adoption recognized human rights to be the foundation for freedom, justice and peace,” according to Amnesty International. The declaration further emphasizes that all human beings are born free and equal and are entitled to equality and dignity.
Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady to President Franklin Roosevelt during his four terms in the White House, served as chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights. According to the FDR Presidential Library, Mrs. Roosevelt considered her work on the declaration to be her “greatest achievement.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights aimed to mobilize global, unanimous support of basic human rights to ensure such rights were never violated again. The declaration includes articles that address all peoples’ right to freedom from discrimination, slavery, and torture. It declares rights to recognition and equality before the law and access to justice.
The declaration has been translated into 569 different languages, making it the most translated document in the world. It is a living document, and the rights specified within provide the basis for international human rights law.
While there are many accomplishments to celebrate since the declaration was adopted, including its inspiration for over 80 international conventions and treaties and the improved protections for women and for Indigenous, LGBTQ, and disabled people, much work remains to be done.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In 2024, there are more ongoing conflicts in the world than at any time since World War II. It is clear that war, poverty, and injustice contribute to violations of human rights. Here in the U.S., too, we have homelessness and poverty in every state; many do not have access to clean water or sanitation; there is discrimination and attacks against marginalized groups, so it is incumbent upon each of us to steward and protect the rights to which we are all guaranteed.
In Harvard, racist symbols graffitied around town led us to form Arm in Arm. We welcome you to visit us at arminarmharvard.com and join in our events or become a member as we endeavor to build a strong community where everyone feels they belong.
The Declaration of Human Rights serves as a reminder that we need to do better globally, nationally, and locally.
Colleen Pearce and Sarah Saleh are members of Arm in Arm and write on its behalf.
