Human Rights Day 2025: Our Everyday Essentials
On December 10th, as the world observes Human Rights Day, Voices for Democracy and Justice speaks out for those whose voices are still unheard. Across the globe, countless individuals live in societies where the very right to free speech has been stolen, where the essential freedoms we take for granted are denied, and where basic human rights remain out of reach. The theme of Human Rights Day "Our Everyday Essentials" is to reaffirm the values of human rights and show that they remain a winning proposition for humanity.
Human Rights Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a mirror. It asks us who we are, whom we defend, and what we refuse to ignore. Every day, when we walk out into the streets, especially in underdeveloped countries, we are faced with stark realities. In many cities, the image of homeless individuals lying on sidewalks, begging for food, has become all too common. In the worst cases, entire families, displaced by conflict or disaster, are left to endure life in makeshift tents or on the cold, hard ground. In the news, we hear stories of violence, oppression, and injustice. We see human rights violations unfolding on a daily basis—whether through the silencing of dissent, forced displacement, or the systematic denial of basic freedoms. These are not isolated incidents; they are the reality for millions, and they demand our attention.
A Story of Resilience Amidst Adversity
During my travels to a small village on the outskirts of a major city, I met a group of children who were playing in the dirt near a busy street corner. Their clothes were ragged, and their faces were streaked with dust. When I spoke to them, they shared something heartbreaking: they did not go to school. Their parents could not afford the small fees needed to send them to school. Instead, these children spent their days begging for food or spare change from passersby, or playing aimlessly in the streets. It was not that they didn't want an education, but simply that their families couldn't make the necessary sacrifice.
These children, who should have been in a classroom learning, were stuck in a cycle of poverty, with no opportunities to escape. The education that should have been their pathway to a better future was out of their reach, not because of their own failings, but because of circumstances beyond their control. They were caught in a system that denied them the right to a decent education and forced them into a daily existence of begging and idle play—unable to dream of a future different from the harsh realities they faced.
It was a painful reminder of how millions of children around the world are deprived of their most basic human right: the right to education. These children, with their bright eyes and hopeful spirits, are a testament to the potential that lies within every young person. But without the opportunity to learn, that potential remains untapped, and their futures remain uncertain.
Across the world, more than 120 million people have been forced from their homes. Approximately four billion people half the planet lack any form of real social protection. One in three women will experience violence in her lifetime. These are not just statistics. These are the painful truths of a world that has yet to honor the basic dignity of all its people. And yet, despite these challenges, we also see extraordinary acts of courage from human rights defenders, activists, and everyday people who are standing up to demand justice.
This Human Rights Day, let us ask ourselves: Are we prepared to face these injustices head-on? What role will we play in defending human rights for those like these children who are deprived of their education, their safety, and their freedom?
Why Human Rights Matter in Our Daily Lives
Human rights are not a luxury. They are the foundation of life itself. Every person has the right to live in dignity, to receive an education, to access healthcare, and to participate in the decisions that affect their future. These are not privileges, they are rights. Unfortunately, for many around the world, these basic rights remain out of reach. At Voices for Democracy and Justice, we are working to ensure that these rights are not just theoretical but practical, tangible realities that everyone can access.
As we reflect on the struggles that many continue to face, we must recognize that human rights are interconnected, they are the very foundation of peace, stability, and progress. Whether it is access to clean water, education, healthcare, or the ability to speak freely without fear of retribution, human rights are the bedrock upon which we build a fairer, more just society.
Human Rights and Social Justice: A Call to Action
Human Rights Day serves as a moment to celebrate the progress we have made, but also as a reminder that the fight for human rights is ongoing. Every day, millions of people around the world face violence, oppression, and inequality. These issues are not remote, they are present in our lives, in our communities, and in our shared global reality.
At Voices for Democracy and Justice, we believe that human rights are not merely ideals but calls to action. Every day, we must ask ourselves: What are we doing to defend the rights of those who are oppressed? How are we fighting for justice, equality, and dignity for all? From advocating for systemic changes in policy to amplifying the voices of the marginalized, each of us has a role to play in advancing human rights.
A Shared Responsibility for Global Justice
Human rights are not just for some, they are for all. Our individual freedoms and well-being are intertwined with the freedoms and well-being of others. In a world of increasing inequality, it is vital that we support one another in the fight for justice and equality. Whether through direct action, education, or advocacy, each of us has the power to make a difference.
On this Human Rights Day, let’s commit to building a world where everyone can access their everyday essentials. Let’s ensure that every person, regardless of where they live or who they are, can enjoy the rights that allow them to live a life of dignity, security, and opportunity. Because human rights aren’t just a dream, they are a necessity.
