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December 10th • Freedom & Justice

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on December 10th. The date was chosen to honour the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Today, we debate the core principles of the UDHR, the delicate balance between individual freedom and collective safety, and whether true universal rights are achievable in a world of diverse political systems. Are human rights truly universal, or are they a Western construct?

A pair of scales of justice against a backdrop of ancient parchment

Speaking Discussion

  • Which of the 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights do you think is the most important for a functioning society? Why?
  • In your opinion, is it ever justifiable to restrict an individual's rights for the sake of national security or public health? Where is the line?
  • How much of a role should the United Nations play in enforcing human rights in countries that are accused of violating them?
  • Do you think that economic rights (the right to a job, food, and housing) are as important as civil rights (freedom of speech and religion)?
  • What is the biggest challenge to human rights in the digital age (e.g., surveillance, data privacy, online hate speech)?
  • If you were responsible for drafting a New bill of rights for the 21st century, what is the first thing you would add to it?

Activity 1: The universal right Pitch

The Task: You are a Human Rights Advocate. You need to persuade a group of world leaders to adopt a new, universal right (e.g., the right to the internet).

What is the right, and why is it essential for the modern world?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most fundamental human right is..."
  • "I think universal rights are..."
  • "In my opinion, the balance of freedom is..."