Michael Gill, Co-chair of Pride – our LGBTQIA+ colleague group

Every year, on 10th December, the world comes together to celebrate Human Rights Day. This date marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 – a groundbreaking document that established the fundamental rights every person is entitled to, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.  

As we observe Human Rights Day 2024 with the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” it’s an urgent reminder of the transformative power of human rights and their critical role in shaping a more inclusive world. 

The Legacy of the UDHR 

The UDHR was a revolutionary step in recognising the inherent dignity and rights of all human beings. It became a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations,” guiding international laws and national policies. It continues to serve as a cornerstone for the global movement toward peace, justice, and equality. 

Yet, for LGBTQIA+ individuals, the promise of universal human rights remains unfulfilled in many parts of the world. Despite progress in areas such as marriage equality, legal recognition, and anti-discrimination laws, LGBTQIA+ people still face significant barriers, including violence, inequality. Human Rights Day serves as an opportunity to remind us of  LGBTQIA+ issues within the broader human rights movement, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”  

This year’s theme emphasises the need for action. It challenges us to imagine a world where human rights are the foundation for all communities. For LGBTQIA+ people, this means: 

• Addressing Hate Speech and Misinformation: LGBTQIA+ individuals are often targets of disinformation and hate speech, which fuels stigma and discrimination. Human Rights Day reminds us to speak out against harmful narratives. 
• Legal Protections: While many countries have made strides in recognising LGBTQIA+ rights, others still criminalise same-sex relationships or gender diversity. Advocating for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and decriminalisation is essential to uphold the UDHR’s vision of equality. 
• Creating Safe Spaces: From schools to workplaces, creating inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals is a fundamental human rights issue. By supporting policies that promote diversity and inclusion, we can ensure that LGBTQIA+ people feel safe, valued, and respected. 

Human Rights as a Transformative Force for LGBTQIA+ Liberation 

Human rights are not abstract ideals; they are a pathway to real change. For LGBTQIA+ communities, embracing the power of human rights can lead to profound transformations: 

• Visibility and Representation: Representation matters. By ensuring LGBTQIA+ individuals have a voice in decision-making processes, we can create policies that reflect their lived experiences and needs. 
• Advocacy: The fight for LGBTQIA+ equality is interconnected with struggles against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Embracing a holistic approach to human rights advocacy is necessary. 

The Time is Now 

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres aptly stated, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”  

On this Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to these principles, recognising that the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals are human rights – and that our collective future depends on protecting and uplifting everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.