Human Rights Day is celebrated every December 10, the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Declaration was the first legal document to establish universal protection of fundamental human rights.

Since then, great advances have been made in relation to the recognition and fulfillment of these rights; But, nevertheless, in recent times we are witnessing significant setbacks in this matter, intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As stated by the United Nations, the Covid-19 pandemic has placed the world at an important crossroads: either we choose the path of collective action and specifically address the inequalities that have spread throughout the planet, or we continue down the path of entrenched injustices and widespread inequalities.

It is essential to work for the fulfillment of human rights for all people, regardless of their condition (race, religion, sex, country of origin, age or political ideas, among others). The societies that do so are more resilient and sustainable societies, they are better able to face unexpected crises, whether in the form of a pandemic or climate change.

From the Congregation of Sisters Hospitallers, dedicated for 140 years to serving the most excluded and vulnerable people; people with mental illness and functional diversity, among others, we vindicate the importance of this day. Not only in commemorative mode, but as a call to action to work for those hardest hit by inequality; with the aim of guaranteeing respect for their fundamental rights, and thus building a just, prosperous and peaceful society that includes us all.