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Human Rights Day 2024: "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now."
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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 76 years ago. At the time, it was signed by 50 countries, none of which recognized equality for LGBTIQ people. Many countries were still under colonial rule, which would change over the following decades and today all 193 member states of the United Nations have signed the declaration.
The Declaration makes no mention of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or sex characteristics. But the rights enshrined in the text still encompass everyone. It is clear from the first line. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The 76-year-old document has faced criticism over the years. Some argue it is too far-reaching, and instead argue that certain rights—such as religious liberty or property rights—should be above others. Others claim its origins, crafted by a limited group of nations, undermine its universality. In an era of rising nationalism and skepticism toward global institutions, these critiques have gained traction, often challenging the core principle that human rights apply equally to all.
In this climate of growing polarization, we must remember and continue to remind everyone that human rights are not partisan issues – they are fundamental to human dignity. As more nations than ever went through significant elections in 2024, the stakes for LGBTIQ communities have never been higher. Our existence—especially that of trans people—has been weaponized in election campaigns (the Trump campaign spent over $120 million on anti-trans ads). Politicians have campaigned on promises to remove our rights, portraying LGBTIQ people as threats to children and families. In Ghana, all leading presidential candidates have promised to crack down on LGBT rights. Meanwhile, LGBTIQ individuals continue to face discrimination, violence, and persecution simply for being who we are. In many regions, our community faces legal persecution, with many countries maintaining or introducing laws that criminalize LGBTIQ identities.
Amid escalating attacks on fundamental rights, we must double down on our commitment to ensure that LGBTIQ voices are not just heard but are integral to decision-making processes at all levels of society.
The path forward requires immediate action. We must bridge divides and build coalitions that transcend political boundaries. Having a seat at the table isn't just about representation – it's about ensuring that diverse LGBTIQ perspectives shape the policies and decisions that affect our lives. Human rights are not theoretical concepts - they are directly impacting our lives. This is why we must act decisively, ensuring these principles are upheld in our communities and across the globe.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Chair of the commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, once wrote a response to the question of where Universal Rights begin.
Quote from Eleanor Roosevelt
In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s words remind us that real change begins at the grassroots level, where rights are lived and defended every day. As Outright enters our 35th year of work in 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance better lives for LGBTIQ people everywhere. We will:
- Champion the decriminalization of LGBTIQ identities worldwide and advocate for their full legal recognition.
- Strengthen partnerships with grassroots LGBTIQ organizations and activists to counter democratic backsliding and authoritarianism.
- Fight discrimination and violence in all its forms, promoting justice and accountability for those affected.
- Drive the adoption of inclusive policies and practices across governments, corporations, and institutions.
- Foster global solidarity to amplify LGBTIQ voices and build a unified movement for equality.
Governments have the duty to uphold human rights for all. But that doesn’t mean that others are off the hook. In fact, we need organizations, corporations, multilateral institutions and individuals–everyone–to stand up for human rights.
Our rights cannot wait. Together, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental truth that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. On this Human Rights Day, we unite to pursue a world where our community can live openly, safely, and proudly. As Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us, progress starts with concerted citizen action. Please join us in this fight. Advocate for inclusive policies, donate to organizations that work for equality, and speak out against discrimination in your community. Together, we can create a world where every person lives openly, safely, and proudly.
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