Human Rights Day 2016

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10^th December. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10^th December of each year as Human Rights Day.

“On Human Rights Day, let us recommit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all." -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

This year, Human Rights Day asks everyone to champion someone's rights! Disregard for fundamental human rights continues to be pervasive across the globe. Extremist movements subject people to appalling violence, people are oppressed by messages of prejudice and hate and humane values are under attack. Human Rights Day is a time to acknowledge our common humanity. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport, in the voting booth, on social media. Take a stand for rights and for more humanity.

Here are a few ways you can stand up for rights:

• Inform yourself and others about why human rights matter

Read and share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Promote stories on your social media about people that you know have stood up for rights.

• Speak out/up when another’s rights are at risk or under attack

If you see someone being harassed, bullied or ridiculed on the street, on public transportation, while shopping or at school, stand with them.

Use social media to stand with people who are facing reprisals for defending human rights e.g. activists, indigenous leaders, environmentalists, lawyers, trade unionists, journalists, etc.

At work, in school, around the dinner table, help someone whose voice is rarely heard to share their views.

• Stand with others’ human rights

Donate to organizations that support victims of human rights abuses.

Join public events in support of human rights - online and/or in the street.

Volunteer with a group that promotes human rights defenders.

• Call on leaders to uphold human rights

Lobby your government to uphold rights: sign related petitions; lobby your legislators to pass human-rights friendly laws and to repeal unfriendly ones.

Urge your employer to sign up to the UN Global Compact and adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; promote celebration of human rights in the work place (e.g. non discrimination, family friendly policies, decent working conditions, equal pay for equal work).

Urge your community’s leaders (e.g. religious, local, sporting, cultural leaders) to make public commitments to human rights.

• In everyday life action

Combat myths with facts: in online and daily conversations, challenge harmful stereotypes.

Speak up for tolerance and against prejudice. Keep yourself in check, challenge your own views and prejudices.

Consider the human rights track record of companies before doing your shopping

Talk to your children about human rights and point out positive and diverse role models.

Start now and support the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBT person, a woman, a child, indigenous peoples, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence.

Follow #Standup4HumanRights #HumanRightsDay

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.