10th December – Human Rights Day
The 10th December Human Rights Day marks the final day of our 16-day Orange the World Campaign. This year, we have seen Soroptimists throughout Ireland join with their local communities to highlight gender violence, calling for eliminating violence against women.
We have placed Orange high heel shoes and posters in shops and business windows for the campaign’s duration with the simple message to women” You are not alone”.
Human Rights Day – “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” on 10th December marks Human Rights Day. This day is a time to celebrate the progress made in the human rights field while also continuing to push for further advancements. Human Rights Day honours the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This Declaration was a milestone achievement in the history of human rights, as it laid out a set of fundamental rights that everyone should enjoy. It was a call for “dignity, freedom, and justice for all” – a goal that all Soroptimists strive for. The rights laid out in the Declaration are comprehensive and far-reaching. They include the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; the right to freedom of opinion and expression; and the right to participate in government and public affairs. These rights are fundamental to a just and equitable society and are necessary for individuals to achieve their full potential.
It is nearly 75 years since the proclamation of the UDHR; unfortunately, there are still many places in the world where these rights are not respected. Many still face discrimination and persecution based on race, gender, religion, or sex.
