PRESS RELEASE

of the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights

Human Rights Day

On 10 December, the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights joins the international community in celebrating Human Rights Day, marking the historic adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly. Since 1950, this day has served as a reminder that human rights are the foundation of international peace, democracy and social justice, and that their protection requires constant vigilance.

The Universal Declaration, described as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”, affirms that every person, without distinction of any kind, is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms. Although not legally binding, its influence has been decisive: it has inspired dozens of international legal instruments and has shaped a comprehensive system of human rights protection at both global and regional levels.

This year’s United Nations campaign for Human Rights Day, entitled “Our everyday essentials”, highlights that human rights are not abstract principles, but the daily guarantees of dignity, safety, participation and freedom. In a time of global instability -marked by rising conflicts, disinformation, social inequalities and pressures on democratic institutions- human rights serve as a compass guiding states and societies toward respect and equality. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has stressed, any setback anywhere in the world affects us all and undermines our collective progress.

Today’s challenges are numerous and interconnected. Democratic backsliding, attacks on the rule of law, restrictions on freedom of expression and of the press, rising social and economic inequalities, the targeting of vulnerable groups and human rights defenders, as well as new digital threats arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence, all create an increasingly demanding environment for the protection of rights. At the same time, the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, reminds us that human rights are inextricably linked to the right to a sustainable future.

As we commemorate Human Rights Day, we renew our collective commitment to uphold every human life and every person’s dignity. In a world undergoing rapid change, the protection and promotion of human rights is a fundamental condition for just and democratic societies. Safeguarding these rights is a responsibility we all share.

The MFHR Press Release is also available as a PDF file here.