Today marks the 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day. This is one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The theme this year is Freedom, Equality and Justice for All. We reflect on progress made and persisting challenges.
It is disheartening to note that equality remains elusive for Palestinians, with ongoing loss of lives in Gaza. The unequal treatment, injustice and disregard for human rights of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, resulting in over 17,000 deaths by the Israeli forces, underscores the urgency for justice and a commitment to human rights. Let this milestone serve as a call to action – a reminder that true equality demands an end to the tragic cycle of violence and a steadfast pursuit of peace for all.