76 Years After the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Is the ideal still universal?
Hind Benammar: “The decline in labor and trade union rights is a key indicator of the state of human rights in the region.”
On December 10, 2024, the world marks the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—an iconic text affirming the inalienable rights of every individual, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, political opinion, or any other status. This foundational document, translated into over 500 languages, continues to serve as a source of inspiration for advancing the universality of human rights.
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, the Declaration was the first global commitment to the universal protection of fundamental rights.
From Palestine to Yemen, Through Syria and Iraq: An Uncertain Path for Humanity’s Future
The future of humanity appears more uncertain than ever, with fundamental rights being systematically trampled upon across various regions. According to the 2024 Global Rights Index, published by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in June, democratic values and human rights continue to erode alarmingly. This annual report, which evaluates workers’ rights and trade union freedoms, highlights a significant deterioration in the rule of law in dozens of countries. Alarmingly, the right to strike was violated in 87% of the 151 countries surveyed, underscoring the general trend of declining social and political rights.
Commenting on the findings of the ITUC Index, Hind Benammar, Executive Secretary of the Arab Trade Union Confederation, stated:
“Trade union rights and freedoms are a fundamental component of the human rights framework. Unfortunately, for many years, the Arab region has consistently ranked among the most egregious violators of trade union rights, despite the vital role that workers and their representatives play in their countries’ economic development. There is a clear regression in adherence to international commitments on trade union freedoms in many Arab countries, even in those with longstanding traditions of robust social relations.”
She further added, “In the coming days, we will launch the annual report on trade union rights and freedoms issued by the Arab Trade Union Confederation. This report once again underscores the fragility of human rights systems in most Arab countries and the weakness of the institutions meant to safeguard them. This prolonged situation necessitates new approaches, starting with raising workers’ awareness about directing their electoral choices toward candidates who uphold rights and freedoms. Within this framework, the ITUC has launched a global campaign this year titled ‘For Democracy,’ aimed at countering the rise of far-right movements and parties with exclusionary and authoritarian agendas.”
Armed conflicts, currently affecting over 110 countries according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, exacerbate this situation. More than 120 million people worldwide have been displaced due to war or persecution, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These humanitarian crises impact the most vulnerable populations and highlight the growing disparity between the ideals proclaimed in 1948 and contemporary reality.
Inequality: A Barrier to the Universality of Rights
At the same time, economic and social inequalities continue to worsen, undermining the effective realization of human rights. According to Oxfam’s 2023 report, the wealthiest 1% of individuals now own nearly twice as much as the combined wealth of the remaining 99% of the world’s population. This extreme concentration of wealth fuels social tensions and deepens inequalities in access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and housing.
Education, often regarded as a vital tool for empowering individuals and communities, starkly illustrates this disparity. In 2024, UNESCO estimates that 244 million children and young people will remain excluded from the education system, particularly in the poorest countries. These alarming figures serve as a stark reminder that equal opportunities remain a distant goal for millions of people worldwide.
Environmental Challenges: A New Threat to Human Rights
Environmental challenges pose a significant threat to human rights. Climate change, by deteriorating living conditions in many regions of the world, is forcing millions of people to migrate or face increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. According to the World Bank, by 2050, more than 216 million people could become climate refugees if urgent actions are not taken.
These phenomena have a direct impact on fundamental rights: access to safe drinking water, food, secure housing, and dignified living conditions. In 2024, an estimated 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. Water inequalities exacerbate geopolitical tensions and internal conflicts, underscoring the intrinsic link between human rights and environmental sustainability.
Reasons to stay Optimistic: Citizen and Union Mobilization
Despite these challenges, there remain reasons for hope. Citizen mobilization in defense of human rights is growing worldwide. In 2023, large-scale social movements emerged, demanding greater social justice, democracy, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
These struggles reflect an increasing awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting universal rights in the face of contemporary threats. Furthermore, international initiatives, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continue to advance policies aimed at reducing inequality and ensuring fundamental rights for all.
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