Today is International Human Rights Day, created by the United Nations in 1948 when the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that outlines the inalienable rights every individual is entitled to. 

This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” shows how human rights affect people and their communities every day, either in their daily lives or in addressing global challenges. 

Often, working to change the status quo is faced with backlash and opposition, as the status quo has become a societal norm some have been accustomed to for long periods. But, this status quo may be working against the rights of others, whether it’s discriminating against someone’s race, religion, sexual orientation, legal status, or nationality.

Everyone deserves protection of their fundamental human rights. These rights are just basic outlines of how humans should be treated and what they are entitled to. The fight for justice is not over. 

The Current advises everyone to use today as a platform for action. No one is protected until everyone is protected; our futures are on the line, and it’s up to us to be the changemakers we’ve been desperately looking for.