International Human Rights Day: A Call for True Equality and Action for the Oppressed

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 24 December 2024 Despite the noble principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, religious and ethnic minorities—particularly Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Dalits, and others—continue to suffer under systemic oppression across the world. These communities face relentless violence, discrimination, and marginalization, with their basic human rights being systematically violated. The international community, including major institutions like the United Nations, has remained largely indifferent or ineffective in addressing their plight, often failing to take meaningful action to protect these vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, Islam, with its deep-rooted commitment to justice, human dignity, and equality, has long upheld the sanctity of every human life, as reflected in the teachings of the Quran and the actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who exemplified these values through his advocacy for the protection and welfare of all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. Despite these noble foundations, the ongoing suffering of these minorities highlights the significant gap between the universal ideals of human rights and the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society. Muslims, in particular avoid following the Quran or the Prophet in their dealings with religious minorities, though they are willing to kill and be killed to protect what they call the honour of the Quran or Prophet Mohamnad. Wilful misuse of Anti-Blasphemy laws in Muslim countries, particularly Pakistan, is a glaring example. Muslims, particularly their clerics, are arguably the biggest violators of human rights both in their individual lives and as a society. ----- International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10th, is a profoundly significant occasion that allows us to reflect on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a pivotal document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This observance serves as a poignant reminder of the essential principles enshrined within this declaration, emphasizing the inherent dignity and equal rights that are intrinsically possessed by all individuals comprising the human family. It underscores the importance of upholding values such as justice, peace, freedom of expression, and belief for the foundation of a just and equitable society. However, upon scrutinizing the current state of affairs in the world today, it becomes increasingly apparent that the realization of these fundamental human rights remains a distant goal for many in our global community. Rather than being universally accessible, these rights often appear to be privileges enjoyed by a select few, while vast segments of the population continue to endure the burdensome weight of oppression and discrimination. This sobering reality highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap between the noble ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the everyday challenges faced by marginalized and disenfranchised individuals worldwide. As we observe International Human Rights Day, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background, status, or circumstances. Only through collective action and unwavering solidarity can we strive towards a more just and inclusive society where human rights are not merely lofty aspirations but tangible realities for all. The preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights eloquently articulates the noble principles of equality and freedom; however, the vast chasm separating these cherished ideals from the severe challenges encountered by disenfranchised communities remains strikingly evident. The fundamental essence of human dignity finds itself mercilessly crushed beneath the oppressive weight of autocracy, despotism, and systemic repression, creating a world where the heartless rule supreme and the vulnerable face relentless hardship. This global atmosphere bears witness to the agonizing plight of religious and ethnic minorities, including but not limited to Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, who continually endure the brutal erosion of their basic rights without respite, trapped in a deeply unjust paradigm where their voices are stifled, their aspirations dismissed, and their very existence marginalized and endangered. Such pervasive injustices perpetuate a cycle of unending suffering and disillusionment, where hope flickers faintly amidst the prevailing darkness of discrimination, intolerance, and flagrant human rights violations. The urgent call to action resounds across nations and generations, as the collective resolve to bridge this cavernous divide between human rights principles and their actual realization grows ever more imperative in the quest for a just, equitable, and inclusive society where every individual is valued, empowered, and afforded the unalienable rights and freedoms that are their birth right. The United Nations, often hailed as the international community's beacon of hope and defender of human rights through its charter, has been distressingly inadequate in addressing the systemic injustices prevalent worldwide. Its recurring shortcomings in advocating for the oppressed have left many feeling disillusioned and unprotected. Particularly poignant is its failure to champion the fundamental rights of all individuals, with a glaring indifference to the plight of vulnerable populations enduring religious and ethnic persecution. Muslims find themselves among the many marginalized groups, ensnared in oppressive environments that suppress their voices and suffocate their religious beliefs. Despite the urgency and severity of these human rights violations, the UN has regrettably chosen to remain passive, overlooking the cries for help of those most in need of its intervention. This glaring absence of meaningful action not only undermines the credibility of the institution but also reveals a stark disparity in the level of attention and support afforded to individuals whose identities deviate from the global power structures. The suffering endured by those labelled as the "other" humans—whether they hail from Islamic, Hindu, or diverse backgrounds—underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift within the UN and reminds us of the imperative to uphold the principles of human dignity and equality for all, regardless of creed or background. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with its profound Articles, champions the lofty principles of equality and freedom for all individuals: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," emphasizing that "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion..." Furthermore, it emphatically states that "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude," encapsulating the essence of human dignity and liberty. However, the beauty of these ideals is tarnished when viewed through the lens of religious or political oppression, especially concerning Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and others who endure relentless discrimination and violence. The glaring disparity between these honourable principles and the harsh reality faced by marginalized communities exposes the prevalent double standards pervading human rights rhetoric. The concerning lack of action by the global community in response to such injustices underscores the inadequacies and hypocrisy within human rights conversations. Regrettably, when it pertains to the Muslim world, there is a distressing absence of substantial support, often met with alarming indifference towards the dire plight of these communities. This blatant disregard for the ongoing persecution faced by Muslims and non-Muslims alike perpetuates a systemic cycle of suffering, while the international stage merely offers superficial acknowledgment of human rights principles, failing to take meaningful steps to rectify the systemic injustices being perpetuated. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not new in its principles—Islam, with its noble teachings, established these values over 1,400 years ago. From the earliest days of Islamic tradition, a profound emphasis has been placed on the sanctity and dignity of every individual, transcending distinctions of race, religion, and social standing. These foundational beliefs are eloquently articulated in the Quran, where it states, "And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam" (Quran 17:70) and further emphasizes the importance of justice, generosity, and compassion towards all, as exemplified in the verse, "Indeed, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin" (Quran 16:90). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced these principles through his words and actions, declaring unequivocally that the life and possessions of every person are sacred. His unwavering commitment to fairness and equality resonated through his teachings, advocating for the protection and upliftment of the marginalized and oppressed, regardless of their background or circumstances. In essence, the ethos of Islam has consistently stood for the rights and dignity of all individuals, reflecting a profound respect for humanity that transcends time and space. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) participated in the "Hilf al-Fudul," a historical alliance that came together to protect the oppressed and ensure that no one was wronged in Makkah, regardless of their status. These principles of justice and equity have been in place for centuries, yet the world today continues to falter when it comes to standing up for the rights of the oppressed. The plight of minorities, whether they belong to the Muslim, Hindu, or Christian communities, stands as a stark reflection of the international community's inability to diligently safeguard these fundamental human rights. These marginalized groups across the globe encounter various forms of oppression, including violence, discrimination, and systemic ostracization. Each individual account within these communities serves as a poignant reminder of the stark disparity between the lofty principles articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the harsh realities endured by these oppressed populations. It becomes increasingly evident that the international community, with the United Nations at its helm, is falling short of effectively upholding the rights of all individuals. The dominant policies of major global powers, steered by their vested economic and political concerns, often cast shadows over the very principles that the United Nations advocates for. Unfortunately, the harsh reality looms large: in the calculated pursuit of geopolitical advantages, the crucial matter of human rights frequently gets compromised or overlooked, particularly when it pertains to those already existing on the fringes of society. As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, it is crucial to raise an urgent inquiry: where does the global community stand regarding the defence of minority rights, especially those individuals who face daily persecution and oppression? The cry for justice for Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Dalits, and others who endure discrimination and marginalization due to their beliefs, ethnicity, or social standing reverberates loudly. Mere rhetoric on human rights falls short; concrete actions are imperative to shield the vulnerable populations languishing in dire circumstances. The reality confronting us is grim: the universal observance of human rights remains deficient, leaving many at the mercy of institutionalized bias and brutality. The noble principles articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights often fall victim to exploitation by the privileged few. Genuine adherence to the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and liberty mandates holding the powerful accountable and ensuring the protection of all human rights, particularly those belonging to minority groups. Until steps are taken to rectify the systemic injustices prevalent worldwide, the plight of the oppressed will persist unabated, rendering the proclamations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as mere hollow declarations with little tangible impact on the lives of those most in need of protection and support. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/international-human-rights-equality-oppressed/d/134116 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism