On Sunday, International Human Rights Day was observed, marked by the theme “Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All.” Messages from leaders worldwide poured in, emphasising their commitment to upholding human rights and protecting the dignity of every individual.
Despite these affirmations, stark reality on the ground paints a contrasting picture. The self-proclaimed champions of human rights often make decisions driven by expediency, aligning them-selves with oppressors rather than the oppressed. Instead of unequivocally supporting rights of the vulnerable, these nations prioritise political expediency, undermining the very essence of human rights advocacy. The true face of those advocating for rights stood exposed once again the other day when, due to US veto, the UN Security Council failed to call for a ceasefire in Gaza .The people of Palestine, caught in the crossfire, are being deprived of their basic rights and subjected to egregious state terror-ism and ethnic cleansing by Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces’ actions have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people, including women, children, healthcare workers and aid providers. Hospitals, schools, and residential areas have been bombarded, pushing the death toll to a staggering 17,700 in the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry.
Despite blatant violations, the international community has failed to take decisive action against Is-rael, allowing a continuing genocide of the Palestinian people. The crimes perpetrated against Gaza’s inhabitants are beyond description, prompting condemnation from humanitarian voices globally. Situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is also dire where Modi government is commit-ting war crimes of all sorts. The world clearly has fallen short in protecting human rights indiscrimi-nately. Human Rights Day should be more than a symbolic observance; it must serve as a catalyst for genuine change. Important capitals worldwide need to transcend expediencies and demonstrate a reso-lute commitment to protecting rights universally. Until such actions are taken, the global community risks perpetuating a narrative where human rights are selectively defended, leaving countless individu-als vulnerable to injustice and oppression. There is a dire need to undertake concrete actions to address systemic issues, fostering an environment where principles of freedom, equality and justice are upheld universally.
