The World Celebrates Human Rights Day Amid Ongoing Global Crises
Saturday marks Human Rights Day, the annual commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. As activists and organizations worldwide celebrate the progress made in human rights measures throughout the year, the ongoing refugee crisis and debate over oppressive societies restricting women and minorities remain just as critical as ever.
This year saw an uptick in refugees fleeing regions like Palestine and war-torn Syria, as millions of displaced people continue to seek asylum across Europe and the Americas. For the first time in world history, over 65 million people were considered refugees, asylum-seekers or displaced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. That’s one in every 113 people worldwide facing some form of conflict forcing them to flee their homes, NPR reported in June.
Non-profit organizations and volunteers are continuing to push for international peace and stability, providing resources to those hit by the continued humanitarian crises across the Middle East and Africa. Organizations providing humanitarian relief to those in need accept online donations to continue their global pursuits, including the International Rescue Committee, the UN Refugee Agency, Islamic Relief USA and the Karam Foundation, which raises funds to benefit refugees and those affected by the Syrian conflict.
However, ensuring human rights continue to progress requires more than humanitarian aid. Experts and activist leaders are urging international audiences watching harrowing developments unfold in places like Syria online write in to their local politicians and governments demanding they support peaceful resolutions. Ongoing bombardments in Aleppo have forced aid envoys and international humanitarian organizations to halt delivering relief into the embattled city. Islamic Relief USA's Omar Sawan previously told International Business Times diplomatic resolutions might be the only way for Aleppo to see peace return for its remaining residents.
This year’s Human Right’s Day campaign is titled "Stand up for someone’s rights today!" calling on people around the world to take a stand for others who are oppressed by their societies or regimes, or have in some way had their rights taken from them.
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads. "They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
More information on Human Rights Day is available via the United Nations.
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