Every year on December 10th, the world unites to celebrate Human Rights Day, reminding us that dignity, freedom, and equality are inherent to everyone.
Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day dates back to 1950, when the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all nations and interested organisations to recognise December 10 each year as Human Rights Day.
When the General Assembly adopted the Declaration, it was proclaimed as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations,” encouraging individuals and societies to strive through progressive measures, both nationally and internationally, for its universal and effective recognition and observance.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual, without distinction based on nationality, residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.
This year’s theme is “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” and highlights that human rights are integral to our daily lives. They are not just concepts, ideals or distant debates, but the foundations that shape how we live, work, learn and aim higher.
At Global Standard, our core values guide everything we do. Interestingly, these same principles are reflected in our vision and mission, established over 20 years ago.
“Our vision is to create a world where all textiles are produced with a commitment to health, ecology, fairness, and care, ultimately enhancing people’s lives and protecting the environment. Organic textiles play a crucial role in this holistic approach.”
Every certified product reflects a commitment to protecting both people and the planet, from the initial processing of fibres harvested from fields through to the sewing line.
This commitment encompasses fundamental rights:
- The right to a safe and healthy working environment.
- The right to the highest attainable standard of health.
- The right to free and compulsory elementary education.
- The right to freedom of speech.
- And the right to earn a living with dignity.
In the textile sector, essential principles become tangible: clean factories, living wages, transparent processes, and workplaces where people are respected, not exploited. When these rights are upheld, communities can thrive. Plus: the clothing we wear and the textile products we use in our daily lives reflect a story of equality and care, rather than one of harm.
“We envision a world where every individual involved in the creation of the beautiful sweater you recently purchased for your mother for Christmas, starting from the tiny cotton seed picked in Egypt or East Asia to the retailer in Notting Hill or the West Village, has their rights respected and upheld. Our goal is to minimise, if not eliminate, the negative impact on human rights and the environment throughout the entire production process. Our due diligence system is what makes this possible.”
— Tristan Arlaud
This Human Rights Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- What are your “everyday essentials”?
- Which rights do you rely on, often without even realising it?
Global Standard strongly believs that human rights are essential not just on December 10th, but every single day!
