Today, on International Human Rights Day, we join the global community in reflecting on the ongoing importance of human rights for all. The theme for 2024, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” reminds us that the protection of human rights is not something for the distant future—it must be at the forefront of our actions today.
As an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in the Capital Region, we understand that human rights are not abstract ideals; they are real protections that must be upheld for everyone, especially those facing the intersection of violence, homelessness, and systemic inequality.
This year, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has focused on informing, changing perceptions, and mobilizing action around the importance of human rights. These actions are crucial in addressing global challenges and the persistent inequalities that many face—especially those in our own community who are experiencing homelessness, gender-based violence, and discrimination.
Here are five essential facts about human rights that resonate deeply in our work and in the communities we serve:
1. Human Rights Are Universal and Inalienable
Human rights are not granted by governments; they belong to every person by virtue of their humanity. This universal right applies to everyone, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or beliefs. These fundamental rights include the right to life, the right to education, and the right to health.
For those experiencing homelessness, the right to a safe place to call home is not just a privilege—it is a basic human right. Yet, many women and children fleeing violence are denied this fundamental right and often have no place to turn. As we reflect on International Human Rights Day, let us remind ourselves that everyone deserves safe housing, dignity, and equal opportunity.
2. Human Rights Are Equal, Indivisible, and Interdependent
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent. The fulfillment of one right often depends on the realization of others. For example, the right to health and access to housing are closely connected, and achieving gender equality is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and violence.
In the context of homelessness, this interdependence is clear. A woman who faces violence and homelessness cannot access her right to life and dignity without also having access to safe shelter, healthcare, and community support. Addressing one issue without considering the others only exacerbates the struggles faced by many in our community.
3. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Was a Global Turning Point
In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marked a historic moment in the global fight for justice and equality. This foundational document has inspired international treaties and laws that seek to protect the rights of all people, regardless of their circumstances. The declaration set out the inalienable rights every human being is entitled to, including freedom from torture, freedom of speech, and the right to live free from violence and discrimination.
For the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, the principles of the UDHR guide our work. Every woman, man, and child has the right to be free from violence and to have access to safe housing. This vision of universal rights must guide our efforts locally and globally.
4. States Have Obligations and Individuals Have Support
Governments have legal obligations to protect and fulfill the human rights of their citizens. However, individuals and communities also play a crucial role in holding governments accountable. Through advocacy, grassroots movements, and collective action, communities can drive positive change.
In Victoria, it is up to us to raise our voices for those who are most vulnerable. Women and children escaping violence, those without stable housing, and Indigenous peoples face systemic barriers to accessing their basic rights. The fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and it requires all of us to act now.
5. Human Rights Day: A Platform for Action
International Human Rights Day is more than a day of reflection; it is a call to action. We must acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring everyone’s rights are upheld.
As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said, “Human rights are about people. They are about you and your life: your needs and wants and fears; your hopes for the present and the future.” Human rights are about every individual’s right to a fulfilling, dignified life—free from violence, homelessness, and inequality.
This year, as we mark the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded of the power of human rights as a protective and transformative force, especially in times of crisis. We must come together as a community to ensure that everyone has access to these essential rights.
How You Can Help: On this International Human Rights Day, take action. Support organizations like ours that are working to ensure every individual has access to safe housing and protection from violence. Advocate for increased support for survivors, raise awareness about the intersections of homelessness and violence, and stand up for the rights of those who are most vulnerable.
Let’s make today the day we commit to a future where everyone’s rights are respected, and no one is left behind.
