December 10, 2019
Today on Human Rights Day and this week for Human Rights
Week, we commemorate the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
This document was a milestone in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world and adopted in 1948, the Declaration proclaimed a common standard for all peoples and all nations. For the first time in history, the Declaration set forth the fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected.
The United Nations Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights states that the UDHR “has set the direction for all subsequent work
in the field of human rights and has provided the basic philosophy for many
legally binding international instruments designed to protect the rights and
freedoms which it proclaims.”
The theme for Human Rights Week
is ‘Human rights start with you’. This simple, yet important message
establishes the inherent need for each of us to recognize our part in ensuring
that the principles of freedom, respect, equality, and dignity are established
and thriving in our communities and in our interactions with those around us.
Let us reaffirm our commitment
to respect and adhere to the inalienable human rights proclaimed within the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and continue to work to unify men and women of
every background in every nation around the world.
December 10, 2018
The Utah Attorney General’s Office takes a moment to recognize Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, Monday, December 10th through Friday, December 14th. This year is the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, implemented by the United Nations General Assembly.
The Declaration document was a milestone achievement declaring to the world that regardless of skin color, race, beliefs, gender, language, national origin, wealth, or birth status, every person is inherently entitled to certain inalienable rights as a human being. It establishes that each person deserves to be treated with dignity and equality as well as sets a common standard for all leaders around the world to strive to achieve.
We recognize that we have not yet realized the fullness of this declaration, but we are grateful for those we partner with daily to fight for the rights of those around us as well as our own. The theme for this year’s Human Rights Week is “human rights start with you”. It takes each one of us to ensure that every person is treated with respect and kindness. We need to remember that everything we need to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and to stand for the principles of equality, justice, and liberty is already inside of us.
This Declaration not only protects each one of us, but it alsot brings us one step closer in unifying men and women of every background around the world together.
The President of the United States released a proclamation on Human Rights Day and included the Bill of Rights Day and Human Rights Week which you can read here.