Equality: Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10th. This globally recognized day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The UDHR outlines 30 fundamental rights, emphasizing the dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, language, religion, or other status. Many of the principles enshrined in the UDHR have become part of international law through subsequent covenants, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1976). The day serves as an opportunity for the global community to reflect on the progress made in promoting human rights while addressing the ongoing struggles that millions still face.
Human Rights Day 2024 takes place against a backdrop of rising human rights violations. The past twelve months have seen significant setbacks and remarkable progress. We saw rights being violated and trampled by authoritarian regimes as well as those same universal values fiercely defended through the bravery of activists and civil society organizations. The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice, but that bending is not automatic. It takes the dedication, sacrifice and tireless efforts of human rights defenders around the world working to hold the line against oppression and authoritarianism, while continually pushing for progress
2024 The State of Human Rights
Challenges: –
The global human rights landscape remains deeply daunting: –
- One of the most fundamental human rights violations leading to lifelong societal inequality, is the denial of education. In Afghanistan, the Taliban government has effectively rendered Afghanistan’s women and girls faceless, silent and invisible,by stripping away their rights to education, employment, justice, freedom of speech and movement. World Human Rights Watch in its global 2024 report concluded that the pattern of abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan amounts to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.
- In war-torn countries e.g. Ukraine, South Sudan, Gaza, Ethiopia and Lebanon, human rights are gravely impacted as civilians face unprecedented humanitarian crises – destruction of infrastructure, lack of sanitation, extreme violence, displacement, and deprivation. Conflicts exacerbate existing inequalities.
- The right to make decisions about one’s own body is fundamental to human rights. In many countries, the United States and Poland for example, women’s reproductive rights are under attack. Restrictions on access to contraception, safe abortion, and maternal healthcare violate women’s rights to health, privacy, and bodily autonomy
- The climate crisis continues to deepen global inequalities. In 2024, global temperatures reached their highest recorded levels, drawing attention to how climate change directly affects human wellbeing and rights. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events – wild fires in Canada and Greece, floods in Bangladesh and Libya – particularly impacted vulnerable populations, affecting their access to food, clean water, safe housing, and health.
Wins: –
In spite of these seemingly intractable challenges, there is reason for optimism. Grassroots activism, legal advocacy and international cooperation have accomplished much in securing rights and liberty for many.
- 2024 saw several hard-fought victories in the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ equality. Greece and Estonia joined the growing list of nations recognizing same-sex marriage, bringing the total to 36 countries worldwide. In the Caribbean, Dominica struck down discriminatory laws against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- In Brazil the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling protecting Indigenous peoples’ land rights, demonstrating how judicial systems can advance human rights. The ruling was a huge boost for Indigenous people in their fight to preserve their way of life.
- Bangladesh’s Parliament passed the Worker Safety Act in January 2024, strengthening labor protections and workplace safety standards, particularly benefiting garment workers. This law established stricter regulations for building safety, working hours, and compensation.
- Mexico achieved a major milestone in gender equality when the Supreme Court decriminalized abortions.
- Women’s leadership in human rights advocacy continues to shape our world. This year saw groundbreaking initiatives like Melinda French-Gates ‘Pivotal Ventures’ committing over $1 billion to advance women’s rights and opportunities. The collaboration between Amal Clooney (Clooney Foundation for Justice), Melinda French-Gates (Pivotal Ventures) and Michelle Obama (Obama Foundation) through “Waging Justice for Women” represents a powerful alliance fighting for girls’ education and against child marriage in Africa.
Soroptimists & Human Rights
Soroptimists have always advanced the cause of equality and human rights through various global and local initiatives, all aimed at improving the lives of women and girls. At the heart of Soroptimist International’s advocacy is its work across seven United Nations Centres. Soroptimist International holds General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This allows them to participate in international discussions on human rights, influencing global policy through their advocacy efforts. Their twenty-one representatives ensure that the voices of women and girls around the world are included in international decision making. They advocate effectively on behalf of women and girls as a result of evidence provided by every Soroptimist taking action at the local programme-action level.
Soroptimists Advocate for: –
- Gender Equality: Soroptimists are actively involved in advocating for the rights of women and girls, emphasizing equality in education, employment, and decision-making. Through their programs, particularly their STEM initiatives, they challenge gender stereotypes and aim to eliminate systemic discrimination
- Elimination of Violence Against Women: Soroptimists run programs and campaigns during the 16 days of Activism e.g. Orange the World to combat gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. By raising awareness and providing support services for victims, Soroptimists work towards creating a safer environment for women, which is a fundamental human right.
- Education and Empowerment: Soroptimists promote access to education for women and girls as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. Their educational programs help women gain skills and knowledge, enabling them to exercise their rights and improve their socioeconomic status.
- Economic Empowerment: Through initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skills training, and sustainable livelihoods, Soroptimists support women’s economic empowerment. This enables women to become financially independent, further contributing to their ability to enjoy their rights and participate fully in society.
- Health and Well-being: Soroptimists advocate for the right to health and well-being, focusing on maternal health, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare. Their projects often include providing healthcare services and raising awareness about health issues affecting women and girls.
- Climate Change and Sustainability: Soroptimists recognize the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, especially in vulnerable communities. Their work in promoting sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and environmental conservation directly supports the rights of women to live in healthy environments and build resilient livelihoods. One such project is Soroptimist International Esperance EPIC (Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities) Sustainable Harvest Project which incorporated hydroponics and solar energy in its execution.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Soroptimists have consultative status at the UN. Their global voice helps influence international policies that address gender equality and human rights. By fostering leadership among women, Soroptimists enable women to become advocates for their own rights and the rights of others. Their global voice in institutions like the United Nations helps influence international policies that address gender equality and human rights.
Going Forward
This year’s theme, Equality – Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights, serves both as a reminder and a rallying cry: – the work of achieving equality is far from over. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that human rights are realized for everyone, everywhere, by relentless advocacy for the dismantling of systems and structures that perpetuate inequality.
Remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the architects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home… Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.”
Want to get involved to make a difference?
Join a Soroptimist Club near you and take action today.
https://www.soroptimistinternational.org
Blog by Irmin McKenzie, SI Esperance, Trinidad and Tobago