Human Rights at 75: A Struggle for Freedom in a Changing World

The Birth of Human Rights: A Ray of Hope after WWII

Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, something extraordinary happened. The United Nations, freshly formed, gave its nod to a document that would change the course of history: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Crafted by Eleanor Roosevelt and a team of international experts, this declaration marked a pivotal moment by asserting that individuals, not just states, hold inherent and “inalienable” rights.

Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of this pivotal document, we confront new challenges in a digital age, where the UDHR’s principles face unprecedented threats.

It was a ray of hope after the horrors of the Holocaust and laid the foundation for a new era in which human rights became a global priority.

The Fragile Legacy: Today’s Threats to Human Rights

Fast forward to the present day, and the achievements of the UDHR are under siege. Across the globe, repression is on the rise, authoritarian regimes are leveraging digital tools to stifle dissent, and violent conflicts are escalating, accompanied by widespread violations of international humanitarian law.

Even established democracies like the United States are facing challenges in upholding human rights standards. The fragility of the UDHR’s legacy underscores the urgency of addressing contemporary threats to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights.

Eleanor’s Vision in a Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions

As we reflect on the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, it’s evident that the landscape has shifted. In our digital age, where misinformation spreads like wildfire, the original vision faces new challenges.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s pragmatic approach, balancing civil and political rights with economic, social, and cultural rights, remains a guiding light. In the face of new challenges, her vision calls for innovative solutions.

It requires adapting human rights frameworks to effectively address digital threats, ensuring that the principles enshrined in the UDHR remain relevant and resilient in the evolving landscape.

The Impact Beyond Words: UDHR’s Real-World Influence

Some may dismiss the UDHR as mere rhetoric, but history tells a different story. The declaration became a rallying point for oppressed peoples worldwide, demanding independence, challenging racist institutions, and confronting totalitarian regimes.

Its principles found their way into national constitutions and legal codes, laying the foundation for numerous UN human rights treaties.

The real-world impact of the UDHR cannot be overstated, as it continues to inspire and guide individuals and nations in their pursuit of justice and human dignity.

Facing the Authoritarian Tide: China’s Role and Global Recession

China, with its absolute control under President Xi Jinping, stands as a formidable force challenging human rights. Beyond its borders, China exports authoritarian methods, influencing foreign dictators and intimidating critics globally.

However, the threat isn’t confined to one nation – a global recession in democracy has been ongoing for 17 years, exacerbated by the misuse of power during the recent pandemic.

Confronting the authoritarian tide requires a concerted global effort to uphold the principles of the UDHR and resist the erosion of democratic values.

Violence Unchecked: Atrocities and the Erosion of Global Norms

In conflict zones worldwide, civilians are caught in the crossfire, facing egregious abuses. Mass atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law have become alarmingly common, exposing the limitations of efforts like the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

These once-promising mechanisms are faltering in the face of selectivity and perceived ineffectiveness. Addressing unchecked violence requires a renewed commitment to strengthen international institutions and mechanisms to ensure accountability for those who perpetrate atrocities.

America’s Dual Role: A Champion and Reluctant Participant

The United States, a key player in the promotion of human rights, finds itself in a paradox. While contributing significantly to the development of human rights principles, it has been hesitant to bind itself to multilateral conventions.

The nation’s unique rights culture, coupled with a historical suspicion of treaties, presents challenges in becoming a consistent defender of human rights.

Navigating this dual role requires a reevaluation of U.S. policies to align with its historical commitment to human rights and to strengthen collaboration with the international community in addressing global challenges.

 Hope Amid Despair: A Call to Action for Today’s Advocates

Instead of succumbing to despair, the current state of human rights should ignite a call to action. Agnès Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, poses a stark choice:

Are we a generation determined to transform history or one resigned to witness its decline? Commemorating the UDHR’s anniversary requires a rededication to its vision, coupled with updating international mechanisms to address contemporary challenges.

Looking Forward: Strengthening Global Human Rights

In charting our course for the future, it is imperative to prioritize initiatives aimed at fortifying the capabilities of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), underscoring a comprehensive perspective on human dignity, and modernizing established frameworks to tackle evolving challenges.

To sustain the enduring principles championed by Eleanor Roosevelt, we must tailor the global human rights framework to effectively grapple with contemporary perils, such as environmental crises and groundbreaking technologies.

The UNHRC, as a stepping stone in the global human rights architecture, requires renewed vigor to address the multifaceted challenges facing humanity.

Looking at its efficacy involves fostering collaboration among member states, promoting transparency, and streamlining response mechanisms. A renewed commitment to a holistic understanding of human dignity is paramount.

This involves recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental rights, ensuring that no facet of human welfare is overlooked.

Furthermore, our approach must evolve to encompass emergent threats like environmental degradation and the ethical implications of transformative technologies.

By adapting existing mechanisms and formulating new frameworks, we can proactively address issues at the intersection of human rights and these evolving challenges.

This forward-thinking strategy ensures that the principles articulated by Eleanor Roosevelt remain a guiding force, steering us through the uncharted waters of a dynamically changing world.

As we traverse this path, let us uphold the spirit of universal human rights and work collectively to fortify the foundations of justice, equality, and dignity on a global scale.

–Tishya Sharma, Lawyer and Content Writer with She Sight Magazine