Human Rights Day 2014 Theme: 5 Things To Know About ‘Human Rights 365’

In 1950 the UN General Assembly decided that every December 10^th would be celebrated as Human Rights Day. The goal was and is to bring the attention “of the peoples of the world” the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all people of all nations. The 2014 theme of Human Rights Day is “Human Rights 365” which encompasses and proclaims that each and every day of the year, all 365, should be considered Human Rights Day.

The theme celebrates the fundamental ideas in the Universal Declaration on which the holiday was originally established, reminding and reinforcing the ideal that every human on earth, despite location, sexuality, race, political, economic or social background are at all times entitled to the full range of human rights, and that human rights belong equally to each of us. Further, the 2014 theme of “Human Rights 365” seeks to remind people that these equal rights bind us together as a community, not just locally, but globally and create a place of equal value and ideas.

This year’s theme seems more topical than ever, and the UN Human Rights Office stands together on this day with millions of men and women globally, who risk their all for human rights. 2014 will unfortunately be remembered as a year of several human rights violations, and daunting challenges to overcome. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, this year’s them is important to remember throughout the coming year, mainly so the world does not meet the same challenges again. In 2014, countries and communities that were recently breaking ground and finding progress in terms of human rights are now retreating and fast, so that conditions for people are worse than ever. However the UN Human Rights Office reminds us that this is a constant battle and despite the failures of 2014, there have been, significant, ongoing, global advances in achieving our human rights. More success is on the horizon, 2014 marks the 30^th year anniversary for the Convention against Torture, and in addition this year saw the 25^th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

So celebrate Human Rights Day and honor it’s theme of “Human Rights 365.” Be sure to work towards and support the idea of extending the fundamental ideals put forth by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights long past the December 10^th date.