Human Rights Day Reflections: Safeguarding Our “Everyday Essentials” in a Shifting World

As we reflect on the Human Rights Day, which was commemorated on 10th Dec, this year themed “Our Everyday Essentials’, we need to reflect on the realities of our world today and practical solutions within our reach. Every year, the world reflects on gains made in human rights, recognizes continued violations, and recommits to the protection of dignity. Yet in this commemoration of an important day, one thing remains certain: the face of human rights is changing, and technology stands right at the middle of this transformation.

Technology has become both a blessing and a challenge. While it has provided fresh spaces for expression, connection, and access to justice, it also presents fresh avenues for harm and abuse. We have seen people bullied online to the point of emotional breakdown. We have witnessed sex predators using digital platforms to lure and exploit children and unsuspecting adults. More than 1 billion children-that is every second child in the world-face violence annually (UNICEF, 2023), and 1 in every 3 women face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO, 2021). Kenya is no exception: according to the KDHS 2022, 45% of women aged 15–49 years have experienced violence.

While we must appreciate the progress Kenya has made, including stronger laws, better judicial processes, and rising public awareness-the reality remains painful: women and children are still being abused, exploited, and, in some instances, brutally killed. Corruption denies justice for many. Social media platforms, meant to be areas of freedom and creativity, have increasingly become playgrounds for shaming, harassment, and violation of human rights among others. Just recently, a Kenyan Woman MP declared publicly that FGM is “OK”-a statement that undermined two decades of work in eliminating a harmful practice that affects over 4 million girls and women in Kenya (UNFPA).

These incidents reflect a deeper societal challenge: the normalization of abuse. Too often, survivors who try to report violations get dismissed, blamed, or ridiculed. Many are told, “You like drama,” or “Such a small issue doesn’t deserve a report.” Others are urged to settle the matter at home in order to “protect the family name.” This culture of silence is what enables abuse to flourish.

Workplaces are no exception. Harassment, intimidation, and exploitation often go unreported because the victims fear job loss or reputational damage. In many organizations, the unhealthy behaviors are minimized as “normal” office dynamics and politics.

Compounding these is the “Big Man Syndrome”: a culture where some are seen to be untouchable, too powerful to be brought to account. The resulting attitude generates impunity, makes discouraging reporting occur, and undermines justice. As long as some people believe themselves above the law, human rights violations will never cease.

The rapid rise of technology demands urgent safeguards. Digital platforms must be responsible and regulated to protect all users without stifling the freedom of expression. Law enforcement agencies need appropriate tools and training to deal with cybercrimes. Families and communities must learn to identify and report online exploitation. Our justice system should be suitably equipped to deal with digital evidence.

In the face of such adversity, some trends are promising. I am specially motivated by a Kenyan Senior Magistrate who has opted to make her courtroom not just a site for the conduct of legal decisions but also a place for dialogue , advice and open conversations. Her approach reflects the simplicity yet powerful truth of the fact that some conflicts would be dealt with before they arise when we talk with one another, listen to each other, and treat each other with dignity. Justice should not punish only; it should restore.

But then, where is the solution? As overwhelming and complex as all the problems may seem, the beginning of the answer is each one of us. Human rights are not abstract principles to be reserved for international declarations and public speeches. They are the “everyday essentials” each of us deserves-safety, dignity, respect, justice. Upholding them begins with how we treat others in our homes, workplaces, communities, and online.

If and Wwhen each one of us commits to rejecting harmful norms, speaking up against injustice, and treating people with dignity, we move closer to that society where all have the right to live out the fullness of their humanity.

On this Human Rights Day, let us not forget that protection of human rights is a task not only of governments or institutions but of us all and in our daily lives.