Each 10th December is UN Human Rights Day, however in 2023 many human rights are still not met or recognised. This year marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most ground breaking global pledges.
The declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10th December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, the fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
This year's theme is Freedom, Equality and Justice for all , since that first day human rights have become more recognised and challenged on a worldwide stage.
This is a day of reflection and action on our human rights, an opportunity for people worldwide to reflect on the progress made, to take action to address ongoing rights' challenges.
This could be through education and awareness raising campaigns, the day help to strengthen the resolve of individuals and institutions to protect of human rights.
The declaration holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document, available in more than 500 languages , still too many people are unaware of their most basic rights as human beings.
As we approach 2024, access to food is a basic human right, but the rocketing growth of food banks is a sad reality now, in Scotland there are, at last stats, 132 registered, perhaps many more community based initiatives.
I feel very passionately about people with a disability trying to get into employment and the gap is getting wider. I'm sure we all know people that would love a job but not given opportunity, my message to employers is look at the person not the disability.
According to the Office of National Statistics in April to June this year 53.6% people with a disability in employment, compared to 82.5% people in employment with a non disability, more needs to be done to bridge this gap.
Some of the basic rights, as set out in the declaration are ;
The right to life
The right to a fair trial
The right to privacy
The right to vote
Freedom of expression
Freedom of reilgion or conscience
Freedom of assembly
Freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and slavery
Sadly we see more today about the infringement of human rights than advocacy, whilst we can't affect change at a global level, we can make a difference at a local, and personal level. The largest catalyst for change is awareness, that's why, for at least 1 day a year, the world acknowledge the need for this UN Declaration.