Each year, on December 10th, people around the world come together to recognize and celebrate International Animal Rights Day. This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and protecting the rights of animals worldwide. It’s a day to acknowledge how our actions impact animals and wildlife, both individually and collectively, and to take steps in support of environmental causes and animal rights issues.
The History of Animal Rights Day
In 1948, the UN passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, following the torture subjected to humans during World War II in concentration camps by Nazi Germany. After this, organizations, associations, and individuals from around the world started demanding that this declaration should be extended to the animal kingdom and that December 10 should also be a day for advocating the rights of animals.
22 years after the UN passed their historic declaration, the word “speciesism” was coined in 1970, to discuss and encourage dialogue on the discrimination against sentient beings based on their species. The whole idea that animals are inferior and live for the sole purpose of catering to the needs and wants of humans is an irrational prejudice against them. Just as certain segments of the human race are suffering due to sexism and racism, animals suffer just as much, if not more, because they can’t defend themselves.
Despite the coining of this term, it wasn’t until 1998 when an official statement was passed for animal rights. Uncaged, which is an animal protection organization, created International Animal Rights Day to shed light on all types of violence against animals. The founders behind this day stated that, since animals cannot protest, vote, or advocate for their own protection, it is the responsibility of humans to do it for them. December 10 was intentionally chosen so that International Animal Rights Day falls on the same day as Human Rights Day. Since then, events, demonstrations, and fundraisers, often covered by traditional media, have been organized worldwide to expose the reality of animal abuse and exploitation.
Ways To Celebrate International Animal Rights Day
There are many ways you can celebrate International Animal Rights Day! Here are just a few ideas:
- Donate Your Time – Volunteer at a local animal shelter or wildlife sanctuary! This is a great way to show your support for animal rights.
- Educate Others – Spread awareness about the importance of respecting animal rights. Share articles, videos, or posts about International Animal Rights Day on social media.
- Make A Donation – A monetary donation to an animal welfare organization can go a long way! Donations will go towards supporting initiatives that work towards protecting vulnerable species around the globe.
- Speak Out – Make sure to speak up and advocate against the negativity about animals or engaging in activities that are cruel towards them. Explain why cruelty against animals is important, how it impacts the environment and encourage others to act more responsibly.
International Animal Rights Day provides us with an opportunity each year to stand up for animals everywhere and fight against injustice done against them. Whether it’s through education efforts, donating money/time/resources, speaking out against mistreatment—there are countless ways we can make a difference on this day—and every day after that too!
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