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December 2025 – Human Rights Day

December is a month characterised by tradition, reflection, and cultural observances that take place both indoors and outdoors. During this time of year, many regions display the telltale signs of the season.

For example, the familiar melodies of Christmas may be heard resonating through streets, on television, and across radio waves.

Regardless of individual preferences, hearing at least one might lead to their festive rhythms replaying in one’s mind for the rest of the month. Last Christmas? Fairytale of New York? All I Want for Christmas is You? It can eventually become effortless to know the words.

This also extends to classical carols, as is the case with The Twelve Days of Christmas, a traditional song that spirals from modest generosity to comedic festive chaos every new verse.

However, can the same be said about the first twelve articles out of the thirty included inside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Most likely not.

These articles lack catchy tunes or memorable phrases, and many individuals may not fully understand or appreciate their significance, which often leads to their meanings being taken for granted or viewed as abstract concepts.

Human Rights Day, observed on December 10th, seeks to address this through examining what human rights are and how they manifest in our daily routines, while also encouraging steps towards a better future for humanity.

What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was born from the ashes of World War II, just after a time when the world had just observed horrific suffering, inequality and loss. Determined to stop history from repeating itself, global leaders recognised that a shared goal was required to safeguard the inherent dignity and fundamental freedoms of all individuals – and so the formation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 provided a platform to promote peace and quell conflicts.

A year later, in 1946, the UN established the Commission on Human Rights to help draft a list of rights for all people. Working under intense scrutiny amid the diverse thoughts and situations of all member states, this team was tasked with creating a framework that everyone and anyone could get behind.

Though this was not legally binding, the Declaration helped pave the way towards most initiatives that exist today.

Who was involved?

Some of the most influential members of the initial 18 members who helped to draft the UDHR included:

Eleanor Roosevelt (representing the USA)

Chair of the Commission and former First Lady of the United States.

Widely respected as a diplomat, activist, and “leading lady” of human rights, she guided the Commission with moral authority and international prestige.

René Cassin (representing France)

French jurist and future Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Cassin was instrumental in drafting the legal framework of the Declaration, drawing on his expertise in law and constitutional principles.

Charles Malik (representing Lebanon)

Philosopher, diplomat, and theologian.

Malik’s deep understanding of ethics and political thought helped the Commission navigate ideological differences among member states.

Peng Chun Chang (representing China)

Philosopher, playwright, scholar, and diplomat.

P.C. Chang, as he was also known, ensured that the Declaration also accounted for non-Western philosophical traditions and cultural diversity.

Hansa Mehta (representing India)

Educator, reformer, and women’s rights advocate.

Mehta championed gender equality by successfully influencing the Declaration to include language that affirms rights should apply equally to men and women.

John Humphrey (representing Canada)

Human rights lawyer and director of the UN’s Human Rights Division.

Humphrey prepared the first draft of the Declaration, shaping much of its structure and content.

Once the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted and agreed by representatives from across the world, the next step was to recognise its significance in a way that would stand the test of time.

When the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the Declaration on the 10th of December 1948, the date quickly became synonymous with a global commitment to dignity, equality, and justice for all. To honour this milestone, the UN later designated this date as Human Rights Day, not just for symbolism, but also to mark the moment when the realisation emerged that human rights must be protected universally.

It became a day of celebration for the good that came from it, but also a day when reminders are raised about progress.

The Constant “Everyday Essentials”

The theme for Human Rights Day 2025, “Our Everyday Essentials”, aims to spread a simple but powerful truth: fundamental rights should remain secure no matter what is happening in the world. While many countries have established strong legal protections and maintain their practices, others continue to face severe obstacles that prevent people from enjoying even the most basic freedoms.

What is going well?

In many countries, including the UK and much of Europe, individuals benefit from legal frameworks that protect essential rights such as access to healthcare, education, fair employment, and protection against discrimination.

Those which happen to have social support systems also provide relief. While they can sometimes be under strain, these systems help ensure that people have access to essential services during times of crisis, such as pandemics, economic instability, or natural disasters.

Countries with independent courts, investigative journalism, and strong civil society organisations tend to empower their citizens by making sure that rights are not just theoretical principles but practical realities.

What is not going so well?

At the same time, no country is perfect despite significant progress, as there is at least one issue regarding human rights that still undermines these everyday essentials. In conflict-affected areas, access to safe housing, healthcare, and education is routinely disrupted, leaving families without the basic security the UDHR sets out.

Some countries face challenges related to freedom of expression, where journalists, activists, and online creators risk harassment or imprisonment for speaking openly. In other regions, privacy rights are weakened by broad surveillance practices or digitally intrusive laws.

Economic instability can also erode rights (and also broaden the digital divide). For example, when employment protections are weak, people can face unsafe working conditions, exploitation, or wages that fall far below living standards. Similarly, discrimination — whether it is based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation — continues to limit opportunities and access to essential services in numerous societies across every continent.

Discussion Points for Democracy, Freedom of Speech, Mutual Respect, Tolerance and Rule Of Law:

What significant changes have been made in the last 25 years?
What might lead someone to oppose human rights?
Would elevating human rights to the status of a universally binding legal framework strengthen global accountability, or could it inadvertently weaken their core principles?
What are your “everyday essentials”?

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