2021 Observance
Theme: EQUALITY - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights
theme relates to 'Equality' and Article 1 of the UDHR ¨C ¡°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. Equality is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and with the UN approach set out in the document . This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTI people, migrants and people with disabilities, among others.
Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, in other words - a human rights-based approach to development - is the best way to reduce inequalities and resume our path towards realising the 2030 Agenda.
#StandUp4HumanRights
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
Rebuild better, fairer, greener
A HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED ECONOMY CAN BREAK CYCLES OF POVERTY
Rampant poverty, pervasive inequalities and structural discrimination are human rights violations and among the greatest global challenges of our time. Addressing them effectively requires measures grounded in human rights, renewed political commitment and participation of all, especially those most affected. We need a new social contract which more fairly shares power, resources and opportunities and sets the foundations of a sustainable human rights-based economy.
REBUILDING FAIRER: A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT
Human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights as well as the right to development and the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, are central to building a new human rights-based economy that supports better, fairer and more sustainable societies for present and future generations. A human rights-based economy should be the foundation of a new social contract.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
Successive financial and health crises have had long-lasting and multidimensional impacts on millions of young people. Unless their rights are protected, including through decent jobs and social protection, the ¡°COVID generation¡± runs the risk of falling prey to the detrimental effects of mounting inequality and poverty.
REVERSING VACCINE INEQUALITY AND INJUSTICE
Vaccine injustice through unfair vaccine distribution and hoarding contravenes international legal and human rights norms and the spirit of global solidarity. The call for a common agenda and a new social contract between Governments and their people is the need of the hour so as to rebuild trust and to ensure a life of dignity for all.
ADVANCING THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE JUSTICE
Environmental degradation, including climate change, pollution and nature loss, disproportionately impacts persons, groups and peoples in vulnerable situations. These impacts exacerbate existing inequalities and negatively affect the human rights of present and future generations. In follow-up to the HRC¡¯s recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, urgent action must be taken to respect, protect and fulfil this right. Such action should be the cornerstone of a new human rights-based economy that will produce a green recovery from COVID-19 and a just transition.
PREVENTING CONFLICT AND BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH EQUALITY, INCLUSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights have the power to tackle the root causes of conflict and crisis, by addressing grievances, eliminating inequalities and exclusion and allowing people to participate in decision-making that affect their lives. Societies that protect and promote human rights for everyone are more resilient societies, better equipped through human rights to weather unexpected crises such as pandemics and the impacts of the climate crisis. Equality and non-discrimination are key to prevention: all human rights for all ensure everyone has access to the preventive benefits of human rights but, when certain people or groups are excluded or face discrimination, the inequality will drive the cycle of conflict and crisis.
Messages
Secretary-General's Message
Our world is at a crossroads.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the expansion of digital technology into all areas of our lives have created new threats to human rights.
Exclusion and discrimination are rampant.
Public space is shrinking.
Poverty and hunger are rising for the first time in decades.
Millions of children are missing out on their right to education.
Inequality is deepening.
But we can choose a different path.
Seventy-three years ago today, the 51³Ô¹Ï General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The principles set out in this simple Declaration remain the key to realizing all human rights ¨C civil, economic, cultural, social, and political ¨C for all people, everywhere.
Recovery from the pandemic must be an opportunity to expand human rights and freedoms, and to rebuild trust.
Trust in the justice and impartiality of laws and institutions.
Confidence that a life of dignity is within reach.
Faith that people can get a fair hearing and resolve their grievances peacefully.
The 51³Ô¹Ï stands for the rights of every member of our human family.
Today and every day, we will continue to work for justice, equality, dignity and human rights for all.
Happy Human Rights Day.
Ant¨®nio Guterres
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' Message
The past two years have painfully demonstrated the intolerable cost of soaring inequalities.
Equality is at the heart of human rights.
That doesn¡¯t mean we must all look the same, think the same or act the same.
Quite the opposite.
It means that we embrace our diversity and demand that all be treated without any kind of discrimination.
That no matter who we are, who we love or where we live, we have equal opportunities to live in dignity and to pursue our dreams.
That from the moment we are born, anywhere on this planet, we have the same rights.
To life, health and education.
To speak our minds without fear.
To enjoy our days in a healthy environment.
All of us.
Equality is about empathy and solidarity.
About understanding that, as a common humanity, our only way forward is to work together for the common good.
But the inequalities inflamed by COVID-19 are pushing us backwards.
It is about time we pushback. And bring them down.
On this Human Rights Day, I invite you to join me in lending your name and your efforts to equality.
So that we can recover better, fairer and greener from this crisis.
So that we can rebuild societies that are more resilient and sustainable.
So that we can stand up for human rights. For all.
Michelle Bachelet
Recovery from the pandemic must be an opportunity to expand human rights and freedoms, and to rebuild trust.
Ant¨®nio Guterres
Additional Messages
Events
Geneva
In Geneva, hosts an online conversation on equality with the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Around the world
UN Human Rights¡¯ presences around the world, 51³Ô¹Ï Information Centres (UNICs) and other partners will also celebrate this important day.
Costa Rica
The voices of indigenous women will be strengthened through music, breaking down the barriers of inequality.
Cameroon
An awareness campaign will promote living together between host communities and Internally Displaced Persns.
Ukraine
¡°Equality murals¡± will be created in different cities across the country.
Southeast Asia
A digital campaign "Raise every voice for Equality" will unify the voices of rights holders from across the region through short-form digital media content.
Trinidad and Tobago
An art competition will take place on the theme ¡°What does equality mean to you?¡±.