The International Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10th December, marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. This day serves as a global reminder of the prominence of dignity and equal rights for all people, emphasising justice, freedom and equality.
What did you do last year on the 10th December?
Did you realise it was the Diamond Anniversary?
In 2024, this day is still overlooked or forgotten by many, however, for the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, the day holds particular significance as it is a platform to address systemic inequalities and advocate for the realisation of these universal rights.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
The National Healthcare Service (NHS) is facing increased difficulties facilitating rising demand and strained resources due to political and social instabilities.
Changes in the Educational Curricula can greatly affect the way today’s youth develop.
The Quota System acts as a double-edged sword when ensuring that diversity and inclusivity in your workplace is maintained.
A Day for Advocacy and Reflection
Human Rights Day offers an opportunity to:
-
Highlight Disparities: Amplify issues such as racial profiling, discriminatory policies and underrepresentation in leadership.
-
Racial Profiling: Have you ever felt you were treated differently solely based on your race? For example: Several policies today are based on laws created years ago.
-
Discriminatory Policies: Today, do you feel that your workplace, place of study or everyday life includes/has policies protecting you?
-
Underrepresentation in Leadership: Did you vote this year and if you had an issue, would you be comfortable approaching your local MP or council?
-
Celebrate Contributions: Acknowledge the cultural, economic & social contributions of BAME communities, cultivating a spirit of inclusion.
Joining OU groups / clubs can be a great way to share ideas with like-minded people and representing the BAME student populace, gives us a voice and helps to foster a spirit of inclusion.
-
Voice Your Stance for Equality: Advocate for targeted policies that address historical injustices and empower marginalised groups.
Do you feel that your community has been left out due to unjust historical laws?
Have you heard about the recent Māori Rights case regarding the New Zealand-based MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke’s Haka in the protest of the controversial bill?
By participating with support groups like BAME, you too can have a voice in empowering change.
Moving Forward
From anti-racism movements to campaigns for equity, these efforts align with the core principles of International Human Rights Day, demanding accountability for violations and the dismantling of structural discrimination.
The application of International Human Rights Day requires sustained commitment to its ideals, particularly for BAME communities. This effectively means not only confronting racism and inequality but also creating environments where diversity is celebrated and equity is realised. Emphasis on instilling this could be upheld by governments, organisations and individuals, working collaboratively to enhance the UDHR’s principles and ensure that no community is left behind.
By bridging the ideals of Human Rights Day with the lived experiences of BAME communities, we can nurture a world where equality and dignity are not aspirations but realities for all.
To find out more about the 2024’s Human Rights Day, please visit the United Nations Human Rights website.
0 Comments