What is Human Rights Day?
Human Rights Day is observed annually on 10 December. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
What is the theme for Human Rights Day 2024?
The theme for 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. It emphasises the urgency of addressing global challenges such as inequality, disinformation, and intolerance through a renewed commitment to human rights principles. This observance highlights the importance of collective action to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all.
What are the current challenges for migrants?
The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has raised concerns about increasing threats to fundamental rights in Europe, including: rising intolerance, widespread discrimination, and threats to democracy. Migrants, among other vulnerable groups, face persistent barriers, with racism and unequal access to basic services remaining significant challenges. In particular, Muslims are experiencing particularly severe forms of discrimination in the EU.
The ‘Being Muslim in the EU – Experiences of Muslims’ 2024 report reveals that:
• One in two Muslims in the EU has experienced racism.
• Muslim women, men and children are targeted not just because of their religion, but also because of their skin colour and ethnic or immigrant background.
• Young Muslims born in the EU and women wearing religious clothing are especially affected.
What measures were introduced in the EU’s new migration and asylum rules in 2024?
The new rules include measures to improve protections for children and enhance monitoring of rights violations at borders. However, their effectiveness depends heavily on full implementation. Last year, over 4,000 individuals lost their lives or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
What has the FRA recommended to combat discrimination?
The FRA has recommended that governments and institutions take stronger steps to address intolerance and discrimination. This includes:
• enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws;
• ensuring equality bodies have the resources to act independently; and
• tackling racism in all areas of life, including education, housing, and employment.
Collecting comprehensive data on discrimination is also critical for developing evidence-based policies and measuring progress.
How should public authorities address anti-Muslim racism specifically?
The agency has called for specific actions to address anti-Muslim racism, emphasising the need for targeted efforts to counter discriminatory profiling and institutional practices that lead to unlawful police profiling.
What role does Human Rights Day play in addressing these challenges?
It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equality and inclusion. Strengthening partnerships between policymakers, civil society, and local communities is crucial for building societies that respect and protect everyone’s rights.
What is EPIC-UP project doing to support migrants’ rights?
The EPIC-UP project ensures that migrants’ voices are considered when designing integration strategies.