December 10, marks International Human Rights Day. Seventy-six years ago, on this day, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as a globally binding document.
The concept of “human rights” was familiar to the world before this date, but the idea of turning it into a codified charter and approving it in a global assembly emerged after World War II. The declaration was adopted with 48 votes in favor and 8 abstentions by an overwhelming majority of member states at that time. While many countries have since recognized the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and even incorporated them into their constitutions, violations of these rights persist in most nations. Among these, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands out as a leading violator of human rights globally. According to reports and resolutions issued annually by the United Nations, Iran consistently ranks among the most systematic abusers of these rights, despite being a signatory to the declaration. However, the scale and depth of atrocities committed under the Islamic Republic over the past four decades far exceed the limited accusations raised against it at the UN Human Rights Council.
In the prisons of Iran’s Islamic regime, countless individuals are imprisoned in dark cells simply for their beliefs, deprived of basic human rights, and many face the looming shadow of death. Torture, public flogging, and executions are routine, officially enshrined in the Islamic Republic’s penal code as “Sharia limits and punishments.” Many labor activists, women’s rights defenders, and environmental activists are currently detained in Iranian prisons, subjected to both physical and psychological torture. The regime holds the highest execution rate relative to its population and continues to execute individuals under the age of 18. In this country, systemic oppression based on ethnicity, gender, and religion is legally sanctioned.
Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not address the fundamental causes of social problems, it represents the culmination of global struggles by workers and freedom fighters. Every retreat of the capitalist system in recognizing these rights has come at the cost of immense sacrifices. Ultimately, the global bourgeoisie was compelled to adopt the declaration, aligning it with their interests while claiming credit for it in their historical narrative.
This declaration, while refraining from challenging the core structures of capitalism or condemning human exploitation, remains incomplete. Even in its current form, implementing its provisions fully requires ongoing struggle, even in the most advanced capitalist countries. Basic human rights, such as the right to life, are still openly violated in many parts of the world. The declaration does not address violations such as hunger, famine, widespread infectious diseases, sex trafficking, drug smuggling, and other atrocities.
Every individual has the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and essential social services for their health and well-being. Everyone also has the right to social protection in times of unemployment, illness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other situations beyond their control. No government or individual has the right to deprive people of these fundamental rights based on their race, nationality, gender, age, beliefs, choices, or preferences. Freedom of expression, association, and assembly are fundamental rights that must not be restricted under any pretext. No one should be subjected to torture, cruel punishment, or degrading treatment. Furthermore, every individual accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a public trial that guarantees all necessary defense rights.
The measure of human rights in any society is equality and access to basic human needs. Capitalism, by its very nature, founded on class divisions, cannot be a genuine defender of human rights. True realization and protection of human rights can only occur in a society free of class distinctions, where individuals live in complete equality and prosperity.
This vision of a just society, where human rights are genuinely upheld, can only be achieved in a socialist system. Striving for such a society requires relentless effort and struggle. Until humanity fully liberates itself from the grip of capitalism, it is essential to recognize and enforce the basic human rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. No government or entity should be allowed to justify violations of these universal rights under any pretense.
