“Equality”, the strong motto of Human Rights Day celebrated this Friday

For 73 years, Human Rights Day has been commemorated every December 10, a date that remembers that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

This historical document included the list of inalienable rights enjoyed by any person regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic position, birth or any other condition. 

The motto in 2021 is simple and brief, but very forceful: “Equality” and links directly to the first article of the text: “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

This idea of equality is also aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the UN approach of leaving no one behind, through several objectives:

Base the economy on human rights to break cycles of poverty because it involves structural discrimination that violates human rights and represents one of the greatest global challenges. 

Serve as the basis for a new social contract, with more social and cultural rights. Human rights, also including the right to development, to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, are basic to building a new economy. 

Equal opportunities for young people. The successive economic and health crises are having serious repercussions on the lives of millions of young people. Therefore, they need extra help to avoid becoming victims of the effects of inequality.

Equality in access to vaccination. Without vaccines for all, without a fair distribution, the common agenda will no longer be common, which is why people and governments must rebuild trust and ensure a dignified life for all.

Climate justice and the right to a healthy environment. Given the serious problem of environmental degradation, climate change, pollution and the loss of natural habitats, urgent measures are necessary to respect, protect and realize the right to a sustainable and long-lasting environment

Prevent conflict and build resilience through equality and inclusion. Societies are more resilient the more they protect and promote human rights for everyone. They are also better able to protect themselves against unexpected crises like the one we are experiencing. 

Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, that is, focusing on development based on human rights, is the best way to reduce inequalities and resume the path towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.