Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe December 10 of each year as Human Rights Day.

This year's Human Rights Day is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50thanniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966.

The two Covenants, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, form the International Bill of Human Rights, setting out the civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights that are the birth right of all human beings.

"Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always." aims to promote and raise awareness of the two Covenants on their 50th anniversary. The year-long campaign revolves around the theme of rights and freedoms -- freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear -- which underpin the International Bill of Human Rights are as relevant today as they were when the Covenants were adopted 50 years ago. For more this year's theme and the year-long campaign, see the website of the UN Human Rights office.

The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are taking action today too through a Day of Prayer and Fasting sponsored by our Congregational JPIC Office.  We will be fasting for the care of creation, because climate change is one of the greatest modern threats to human rights around the world.  All are welcome to join in this day of prayer and fasting.  

You can use our resource guide here if you wish to participate:  http://bit.do/byGds  

Also check out this video by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN Commissioner for Human Rights, who explains how climate change is a threat to human rights: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_robinson_why_climate_change_is_a_threat_to_human_rights