Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
2021 Theme: Equality – Reducing inequalities, Advancing human rights
This year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to “Equality” and Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. They are aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda which aims to address and find solutions for the deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies.
10 December is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in re-building the world we want, and recognising that the best way to reduce inequalities and realise the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda is through a human rights-based approach to development.
- For more information visit the UN website.
