Why is International Human Rights Day celebrated

At least once a year we hear on the radio, television or read on the web that December 10 is Human Rights Day. But not everyone knows why this particular winter date was chosen to celebrate this holiday. What does it mean? Many call it a "holiday of human rights activists", and they are not very far from the truth. The thing is that exactly then, in 1948, a very important document was adopted. He, in fact, initiated the modern concept of what human rights are. This happened at a meeting of the Assembly of a new intergovernmental structure - the United Nations. She was just starting her work and needed to adopt regulations and contracts.

International Human Rights Day became such only after in 1945, after realizing the horrors, tragedies and mass killings of the Second World War, a special international commission was set up. It united the lawyers of many countries and continents, as well as national and religious traditions. They had to determine by consensus what basic principles that determine human dignity are acceptable for all races, states and ethnic groups. These provisions became the basis of a document that codified a general, universal for all rule, which any country that had become a member of the United Nations should strive for. This is Bill, which became part of the charter of this respected interstate organization.

International Human Rights Day was also approached by numerous non-governmental movements, which not only followed the process, but also sought to ensure that the document included various freedoms inherent in the notion of "dignity". The right to live, be free from violence and hunger, the opportunity to practice any religion - all this was included in the mandatory list. The achievement and realization of these rights were recognized as a priority, which is higher than state sovereignty. That is why the date of adoption of this document is celebrated as the International Human Rights Day. After all, the protection of these principles is a matter for all states, governments and peoples.

Finally, a document called the "Declaration of Human Rights" was put to a vote in 1948. The date of its consideration was the tenth of December. Among the participants of the then General Assembly there was not one who would oppose its adoption. Although eight countries, including the USSR, abstained, despite the fact that Soviet lawyers also took part in the creation of the Declaration. But it was accepted, and since then the International Human Rights Day has been celebrated every year all over the globe. He does not let us forget that there is a list of 30 basic principles that ensure our dignity. Any state is obliged to promote, protect and protect, despite its political system.

Perhaps many of us will say that this Declaration is just a piece of paper. However, the fact is that this is a universally recognized standard of human rights. They can be broken, but can not be taken away. Therefore, it is not only possible, but also necessary, to demand the observance of these rights. It is not without reason that in 1993 the participants of the world conference in Vienna, which gathered 171 States, reaffirmed their commitment to the Declaration and the readiness of their governments to be guided by this standard. That's why International Human Rights Day is a date reminding us that there are principles and norms that protect our dignity, and they must be observed for all without exception.