By Elijah Adejimi
Human Rights Day, observed today, December 10, honours the 1948 ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The fundamentals of human rights, which are essential to each person’s dignity and well-being, are outlined in this historic text. We are reminded on Human Rights Day that the condition of our planet is closely related to human rights.
“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” this year’s commemoration theme, emphasizes how urgent it is to protect our environment and our rights to a more secure and sustainable world.
According to Article 3 of the UDHR, every person has inherent dignity and equal rights to life, liberty, and personal security. Nevertheless, the concerning rate of environmental deterioration, climate change, and biodiversity loss threaten the very foundation of these rights.
These rights’ fundamental basis is in danger due to climate change and biodiversity loss. Neglecting the environment can have disastrous and far-reaching effects. For example, vulnerable groups like the poor, women, and children are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Human rights are violated and existing disparities are made worse by rising temperatures, more frequent natural catastrophes, and less access to clean water and sanitary facilities. We must acknowledge the connection between environmental preservation and human rights in this era of sustainable development.
This connection is recognized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, where the need to preserve the environment and advance sustainable development is specifically addressed in Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). Human Rights Day requires us to reaffirm our dedication to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
We must reaffirm our dedication to protecting the environment and our rights to a sustainable future as we observe Human Rights Day. This calls for teamwork, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the values of sustainable development and human rights.
Call to Action: We call on governments, corporations, civil society, and individuals to: 1. Acknowledge the fundamental connection between environmental conservation and human rights on this Human Rights Day. 2. Encourage laws and procedures that support environmental stewardship and sustainable development. 3. Make leaders answerable for preserving the environment and respecting human rights. 4. Spread knowledge and understanding of the value of human rights and environmental preservation. 5. Take personal responsibility to lessen your impact on the environment and encourage sustainable living.
By working together, we can create a more sustainable, just, and equitable society where people’s rights are upheld and the environment is preserved for coming generations.
“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
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