History of Human Rights: An Ancient Legacy and a Contemporary Struggle”.
What was the first seed of what we know today as Human Rights? Who led the process of drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
These were some of the questions we asked on December 10 for the International Human Rights Day in an event presented by Luis Cañizares, multidisciplinary artist and curator of the Human Rights project “Delito de Silencio” (Crime of Silence).
The main objective of the conference-debate held by our project manager, Carmen Coleto, entitled “History of Human Rights: An ancient legacy and a contemporary struggle” was to explore how human rights have been built, forging the idea that they did not come out of nowhere, nor from one day to the next, but is the work of different civilizations throughout history to achieve fairer societies. It is, basically, the history of humanity, plagued by setbacks, conflicts and advances that inspired to continue fighting for a more egalitarian world.
It explored from what is considered the first beginnings of the notion of human rights, which is the Code of Hammurabi in Mesopotamia in the 18th century B.C., to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its current application.
However, it was emphasized that, since the Declaration is not binding, human rights are systematically violated in many territories around the world. In addition, there was a pressing concern about the rollback of rights we are facing, and the number of escalating conflicts we are experiencing.
Together with the audience, we recalled that, despite progress, millions of people still face poverty, flee violent conflict, or are discriminated against or violated. Slavery is still present, people are persecuted for their beliefs, and millions lack nationality, depriving them of basic rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reminder of the achievements made and the challenges that remain. Carmen Coleto stressed that human rights are a work in progress, so it is crucial that we continue to defend them every day and reaffirm our commitment to the dignity and rights of all people.
