Human Rights Day Campaign Highlights Our Everyday Essentials

To commemorate this year’s Human Rights Day, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, invited members of the public to write about their most cherished values and everyday essentials.

Astrid Van Genderen Stort, OHCHR Chief of External Engagement and Partnerships, shared hers:
“My everyday essentials are my family, a sense of belonging, knowledge, safety and the freedom to speak, do and live the way I deem best,” she said.

With the help of artificial intelligence, the most popular themes were analysed based on submissions from people worldwide, from freedom to “enjoy nature” to “living in peace.”

Ms Van Genderen Stort spoke about the campaign and what the responses reveal about the world today.

Responses Highlight Human Rights
“Every answer shows exactly how human rights are essential to daily life. I was particularly touched by responses like ‘to be human to all beings,’ the ‘right to live my culture’ and ‘speaking and living without being scared,’” she said.
“These statements testify to the issues many people still face globally and strengthen my commitment to this work.”

What the Campaign Reveals
“Many individuals live under very difficult circumstances, yet people everywhere — in Afghanistan, the USA, Mexico and beyond — value the same basic human rights: a safe place to live, access to education, recognition as equal human beings, and freedom to explore and enjoy life,” she added.
“This is the essence of our campaign: human rights are not abstract; they are the basis of our existence, and everyone has a role in ensuring they are respected.”

Addressing Inequalities
“At times of high conflict, it is imperative to monitor, report and advocate for those whose rights are violated. Through statements, reports, stories and social media, we document and push for accountability,” she said.

Progress and Challenges
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — the right to education — has seen the most progress, with global adult literacy rising from 56% in 1950 to 87% in 2023.
Article 15 — the right to nationality — has seen the least progress; on the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, 166 million children globally lacked formal documentation.

Why “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”?
“The UN human rights office serves as a bulwark against growing cynicism, misinformation and authoritarianism. We want to reaffirm that human rights remain relevant and achievable for everyone. They are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the books we read — fundamental to everything,” she explained.

Purpose of Human Rights Day
“UN international days remind us of key issues and historical movements. International Human Rights Day highlights that rights are inalienable and must be claimed and defended. Everyone needs to know their rights to protect them,” Ms Van Genderen Stort concluded.