Stand up for someone’s rights today
Message of unity from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Human Rights Day
Many of us are fearful about the way the world is heading. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Conflicts and deprivation are forcing families from their homes. Climate change darkens our horizons. We know that humanity will only survive, and thrive, if we seek solutions together. But instead, humane values are under attack — and so we feel overwhelmed, unsure what to do or where to turn.
Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Their narratives speak to selfishness, separatism — a distorting, narrow view of the world. Little by little, this toxic tide of hatred is rising around us, and the deep and vital principles that safeguard peaceful societies risk being swept away.
We must draw the line — and we can. There is another way. It starts with all of us taking practical steps to reaffirm our common humanity.
December 10 is Human Rights Day, in celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a gift of wisdom and principle, born out of terrible suffering, which embraces the equality, dignity and rights of every person on Earth. And this Declaration shows us the way forward. It upholds the values that are the roots of peace.
At the UN’s Human Rights Office, we advocate practical solutions to fear and injustice. We stand for greater freedoms. Stronger respect. More compassion.
Join us. Help break the toxic patterns of a fearful world and embark on a more peaceful, more sustainable future.
We don’t have to stand by while the haters drive wedges of hostility between communities — we can build bridges. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media, at home and on the sports field.
Wherever there is discrimination, we can step forward to help safeguard someone’s right to live free from fear and abuse. We can raise our voices for decent values. We can join others to publicly lobby for better leadership, better laws and greater respect for human dignity.
The time for this is now.
“We the peoples” can take a stand for rights. Let us know what you’re doing, and we will gather your stories, and amplify your voice. Local actions can add up to a global movement. And together, we can take a stand for more humanity.
It starts with each of us.
Stand up for someone’s rights today.
