International Human Rights Day is on December 10. The day celebrates when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
The UDHR created a range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled. As the UN states, “It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language or any other status.”
The UN, formed in 1945, was spurred on to draft the UDHR following the violence and atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust. Multiple international contributors, including Eleanor Roosevelt, contributed to this draft of this historical document.
Women’s Influence on the UDHR
President Harry Truman appointed Roosevelt to the United States delegation of the UN in 1945. The following year, she became chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and joined the efforts to draft the UDHR, supporting education access, civil rights and poverty relief along the way.
She used her influence and credibility to help the document reach its completion. Additionally, Roosevelt suggested that the declaration’s original line, “All men are born free and equal,” be changed to “All human beings are born free and equal.”
Other women who helped draft the document include:
- Hansa Mehta of India
- Minerva Bernardino of the Dominican Republic
- Angela Jurdak Khoury of Lebanon
- Fryderyka Kalinowski of Poland
- Bodil Begtrup of Denmark
More about the UDHR and Human Rights Day
The UDHR document consists of 30 articles listing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Throughout the years, the draft has guided member states of the UN to collective action. In 2005, the international organization recognized the responsibility to protect civilians against prominent human rights violations.
Celebrations for Human Rights Day include educational expos, cultural exhibitions and other activities to raise awareness and engagement in human rights.
Every year, a theme is selected that upholds one of the tenets of universal human rights. In the past, the day has been dedicated to ending poverty, combating discrimination and protecting people against human rights violations.
The message for 2024 is “Human Rights: A Path for Solutions.” The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says that solutions are a protective force for good.
Solutions to Consider in the Workplace
Human rights extend to everyone, even during work hours. Consequently, corporations maintain fair and inclusive workplaces by upholding the core tenets of the UN, which has been established for 76 years.
Employers should create and strive for an inclusive workplace. Companies can do this by:
- Lead by example with executives of different identities. Have those leaders head up Executive Diversity Councils and become sponsors of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
- Form ERGs for all employees, including gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief and sexual orientation.
- Develop high-potential, mentorship and sponsorship programs that encompass individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
Additionally, organizations can maintain an equitable recruitment process for employees through inclusive onboarding practices.
Employers must also maintain pay equity among employees. This requires understanding the gender pay gap among workers. Read our article on understanding the discrepancy in pay between men and women for equal work to learn more.
Click on the links below to learn more about inclusive workplace practices:
How to Educate Teams on Different Religions and Cultures
