Human Rights Day is celebrated every December 10 in commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by the General Assembly of the United Nations, in 1948, a fundamental document that proclaims the inalienable rights that all people have, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic position, birth or any other condition.
The principles enunciated more than seventy years ago continue to mark the way to build more just and peaceful societies, the Mercosur website publishes.
In a context such as the current one, in which the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the existing inequalities in the enjoyment and access to human rights as well as the existence of a framework of structural discrimination, it is necessary to rethink public policies with a human rights approach. Although the coronavirus affects without distinction, its impact is not the same for all people.
Taking into account the negative impact of COVID-19 on the full enjoyment of human rights, at the regional level, in June 2020, the XXXV Meeting of High Authorities on Human Rights adopted the Declaration of Asunción on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
Human Rights in a COVID-19 Pandemic situation.
This Declaration recognizes that democracy, development, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are mutually reinforcing, as well as the enshrined universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights.
It also refers, especially, to groups in vulnerable situations, such as, among others, homeless or street people, those living in poverty and extreme poverty, the elderly, children and adolescents, women , LGTBI persons, migrants, returnees, refugees and displaced persons, the disabled, indigenous peoples, the Afro-descendant population, persons deprived of liberty.
This December 10 is an opportunity to remember article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and highlight the principles of equality and non-discrimination: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”