by
Ryan Clement
TODAY, 10 December 2023, marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which came into force in 1948, being just 3 years after the end of World War II.
The Declaration provides that, as human beings, we are entitled to stipulated basic rights regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It has formed the basis of many domestic laws worldwide.
For example, ‘The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, better known as the European Convention on Human Rights, was opened for signature in Rome on 4 November 1950 and came into force on 3 September 1953. It was the first instrument to give effect to certain of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and make them binding.’
Even the Equality Act 2010 in Britain makes it unlawful to discriminate against another because of protected characteristics, such as:
- age;
- disability;
- gender reassignment;
- marriage and civil partnership;
- pregnancy and maternity;
- race;
- religion or belief;
- sex;
- sexual orientation.
Looks familiar?
Undoubtedly, I think, the Declaration has been influential – I doubt it could have lasted 75 years otherwise – however, I shall leave it to others to debate how influential and, importantly, successful it has been. For certain, it has formed or been influential in forming the basis of many anti-discrimination and Equality laws and declaring basic human rights, but has this been enough? You decide.
Copyright © Ryan Clement 2023
Ryan Clement 