Like every year, International Human Rights Day is back. This great day is being celebrated all over the world simultaneously. This day has been celebrated for a special purpose for almost 76 years. That is, even though the diamond jubilee of this day has passed from 1948 to today, the importance of celebrating this day has not diminished for good reason! Generally, the issue of preserving, establishing, and practicing all rights as a 'human being' is considered to be 'human rights'. Human rights are: issues related to the fundamental rights and freedoms of humans, which are equal rights for all people.
Therefore, in one word, we can say - human rights are the essential facilities for human life, rights, equality, and living a dignified life. Various studies show that the concept of human rights first came in the eighteenth century as a product of the development of technology and science. However, is it because of the need of the hour that this day is so important worldwide even in the twenty-first century! The question arises, why is there so much talk, so much discussion about these human rights or human rights? Why is a day called “Human Rights” celebrated every year?
From the experience of the post-World War II devastation, the concept of fundamental rights of all people developed in 1948 as a charter by the United Nations, which is today known as the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ (UDHR). Today, the concept of human rights is universally recognized as a primary structural foundation in people’s daily lives, especially in the case of obtaining any justice; where the fundamental rights and freedoms of human beings are mentioned. Article 1 of the UDHR states that, ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The first thing that is needed to establish equality, justice, rights, dignity, etc. for all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, color, etc., is humanity! Human rights are the birthright of humans. No one can ever take this away from anyone.
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The fundamental human rights of people have been identified there. For this reason, December 10 is celebrated as International Human Rights Day. At the same time, various public awareness and sensitization programs are celebrated for 16 days from November 25 to December 10 as an international campaign to prevent violence against women. Along with the government, various national and international organizations play a leading role in this. International organizations committed to the overall development of children have, like every year, organized colorful programs in their areas of work to protect children, overall development and prevent gender-based violence as a major part of human rights.
Like the rest of the world, the Constitution of Bangladesh has also recognized the internationally accepted principles of human rights and various provisions have been included in the constitution to protect the human rights of every citizen. In addition, Article 11 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh states, 'The Republic shall be a democracy, where fundamental human rights and freedoms shall be guaranteed, and respect for the dignity and worth of the human being shall be ensured.' The Constitution includes provisions for the protection of economic and social human rights such as food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, public health, employment, rest and recreation, and social security, and civil, political and cultural rights.
The main goal of human rights is to preserve the fundamental rights of all people on the basis of justice in the family, society and even globally and to maintain equality, unity, peace and freedom at all times. And therefore, a total of 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights contain clear references to every detail of human life for the overall well-being of the people; so that a human being can live with true human dignity. At least: can move freely, exercise the right to vote, can express opinions while maintaining a sense of individual independence! However, in reality, a different picture emerges at every turn.
Like every year, Human Rights Day has arrived. The surroundings are decorated in colorful costumes. Civil society is filled with discussions at round tables and open forums. As soon as you open the newspapers and magazines, you are filled with the urgency of the day, the analysis, and the television talk shows! The thought-provoking possibilities printed on leaflets! Sometimes I feel like a proud citizen when I see the call for human rights and values! Ah, today is Human Rights Day-2023! When I regain my composure, my body and mind tremble. Inhuman/demonic torture of other human beings by the greatest creature on earth, "humans"! In this era of civilization, I feel very helpless when I see the picture of barbarity!
Freedom of speech, religious freedom, freedom of voting, freedom of expression on a free platform, the freedom to stand tall with independent sovereignty are just the imprint of pen and paper! Day after day, discrimination against minorities! Especially hostile behavior towards Santals and other tribal groups! Despite being talented in the field of employment, it is considered a very common thing for us to be deprived of opportunities due to political ideology! The dream of promotion of a truly dedicated employee by using physical beauty in the workplace remains elusive! The culture of keeping journalists in a corner at every level due to political patronage!
There is no way to not be shocked to hear about wife abuse by husbands and even disappearances and murders! Millions of future generations are being crushed in the mill of child labor! Hungry children, tormented by hunger and poverty, are not only confined to four walls and work as housemaids but are also forced to sell their virginity prematurely and unwillingly to the big boys of the sheltered flats! We witness such cruel incidents every day! There are countless examples in this society, in this country, of beating a thief to death with a heavy rod for a minor sin! Therefore, the law is reflected differently for the rich! According to the UN declaration, this “International Human Rights Day” is almost a diamond jubilee, that is, 75 years have already passed, yet, have true human rights been established at all? Although such questions worry the conscience of the nation every moment, the answer is a great burden!
Today, when we analyze the expected results of Human Rights Day, we subconsciously see such human rights violations from the depths of our hearts! Today, almost a quarter of the 21st century has passed, although the rate of formal education has increased, it can be said that the number of real people has not increased proportionally! A class of people, wearing the label of educated citizens with higher education, is establishing themselves as the masters of inhuman programs day after day! Fortunately, they are the ones who once again become the main figures in the discussion on human rights with the help of power! What a ridiculous, farcical picture!
Despite all this, fifty-two years after independence, we have made great progress in education-health-economy! To what extent have we been able to establish ourselves as a nation with human values in that proportion? This should be a national question today! If we are truly “human”, the issue of human rights violations will surely shake our conscience! Everyone will want to shout in unison and be firmly convinced of establishing human rights! December 10 is not just a day on the calendar, but it is also a new platform for the personality, values, and overall development of the human race! Serving other people as humans or respecting their beliefs, culture, opinions, and philosophies is one of the characteristics of a real human being!
Therefore, let the conviction of today be that we all have the responsibility to establish human rights. And for this, first of all, we need to develop ourselves as real “human beings”. Because, without real human beings, the preservation of human rights is in no way possible! Let us all rush to the people to ensure service to the people! This is how the International Human Rights Day will be successful one day. Therefore, let us seek people day and night to establish human rights! And let us count the hours of expectation in our hearts, thinking that, at least on the diamond jubilee of Human Rights Day, people will surely get justice back one day!
