Human rights are universal legal, moral, and actionable guarantees for all of humankind. They are fundamental to human dignity, equality, democracy, peace, and sustainable development. Yet, today more than ever, we must protect those rights. We face armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate disasters, impunity, rising inequalities, and, in too many regions, persistent gender inequality. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, along with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, and beyond, have devastating consequences for the human rights of civilian populations, with women and children particularly affected.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day 2024, the EU Delegation in Geneva hosted an interactive conversation to discuss the importance of human rights today and the challenges in advancing them globally. Organised by the Delegation’s trainees, the event featured Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, in an engaging dialogue with over 80 trainees and young professionals from International Geneva.

Nada Al-Nashif encouraged attendees to remain resilient and proactive in their efforts. The attendees were encouraged to reflect on how they, as emerging professionals, can contribute to advancing human rights in their respective fields. The conversation, marked by active participation and thoughtful exchanges, underscored the importance of empowering young voices in the multilateral arena. Participants explored practical ways to promote and protect human rights, sparking ideas for future action.

This event, like Human Rights Day as a whole, underscores that human rights are not a privilege—they are the rights of all people. The EU will continue to promote and protect human rights for everyone, everywhere—Your Rights, Your Future, Right Now and Always.

To learn more about the exchange with Nada Al-Nashif, please click here for additional insights.

You can read the full statement by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative, on the occasion of Human Rights Day here.

EU Geneva