10 December: #HumanRightsDay

10 December is the internationally recognized Human Rights Day. For European citizens, these rights are stated in the European Convention on Human Rights.

Among other basic rights, everyone is entitled to the right to life, the right to liberty and security, and the right to respect for private and family life. The Convention also outlaws a number of unjust practices such as punishment without law, discrimination and torture.

The realization of this treaty is a great achievement, as it ensures equality, justice and dignity for all individuals living in the Council of Europe’s 47 member states.

Governments are committed to respecting these rights, while the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg oversees their implementation.

These rights are just as relevant now as they were in 1950 when the Convention was established, as our societies are constantly encountering new democratic challenges and hurdles.

Children should be aware of their rights as listed in the Convention. We therefore offer a 'Wear your Rights' brochure outlining concepts such as the freedom of thought and the right to education. This resource is available online in 9 languages. Paper copies in English, French, German, Russian and Turkish can be ordered via [email protected].

Le Chat, the popular cartoon figure of the Belgian humourist Philippe Geluck, voices his support for Human Rights by stressing that “Everybody has the right to have rights”. Le Chat has his own vision of the Convention, which you can see reflected on the attached poster. This poster is offered to mark such an important Day.

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