Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, marks the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to stand against injustice and abuse, highlighting our collective power to protect and uphold these fundamental rights for all humanity. But for some time, some global powers have seemingly hijacked the human rights agenda to pursue regional and international interests.

Besides many other global issues, the situation in Gaza presents an urgent and heartbreaking reality that demands global attention, especially today. The ongoing conflict and suffering in Gaza reflect the failure of the international community to prevent and address humanitarian crises in various parts of the world.

As we mark Human Rights Day, the contradiction between the lofty ideals of human rights and the stark realities faced by individuals in conflict zones like Gaza is disheartening. Despite commemorating this day annually to reaffirm our commitment to human rights, the situation on the ground often remains dire and deteriorating.

The world has not seen the level of hypocrisy and disparity between rhetoric and action exhibited by nations, so-called "champions of human rights" which was notably highlighted in recent events at the UN Security Council. The contrast between the professed principles and their actual conduct, as witnessed in the case of the Gaza ceasefire resolution, exemplifies this disconnect.

Despite championing support for human rights on the global stage, countries such as the United States employing its veto power and the United Kingdom abstaining from crucial resolutions showcase an apparent contradiction.

More importantly, the recent veto of the UN Security Council resolution for a Gaza ceasefire highlights the struggle to turn human rights principles into practical actions. The inability to come together and take decisive action in response to civilian deaths, infrastructure destruction, and immense suffering in Gaza brings into question the effectiveness of global mechanisms in preventing such crises.

Despite affirmations in speeches and declarations supporting human rights, the harsh reality reveals a stark contrast. The veto and abstention from vital resolutions weaken the core principles of safeguarding innocent lives and providing critical humanitarian aid to those in dire need.

Global leaders, international human rights organizations, and representatives from the United Nations have expressed strong condemnation toward the United States for its veto of a UN resolution, which urged an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The veto is seen as a failure to intervene in a conflict that has resulted in the loss of over 17,400 Palestinian lives and approximately 1,100 individuals in Israel since October 7.

Permanent Representative of China to the UN, Zhang Jun, told the council: "Condoning the continuation of fighting while claiming to care about the lives and safety of people in Gaza is self-contradictory. Condoning the continuation of fighting while advocating for preventing the spillover effects of the conflict is self-deceiving. Condoning the continuation of fighting while making references to the protection of women and children and human rights is hypocritical. All these once again show us what double standards are."

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International's secretary general, said, "By vetoing this resolution, the U.S. has displayed a callous disregard for civilian suffering in the face of a staggering death toll, extensive destruction and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe happening in the occupied Gaza Strip." 

The Human Rights Watch also released a statement saying: "By continuing to provide Israel with weapons [and] diplomatic cover as it commits atrocities, including collectively punishing the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza, the U.S. risks complicity in war crimes."

These condemnations were directed at the U.S. following its veto of the UN Security Council's plea for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The responses underscore the fundamental stance in recognizing and vocalizing against unjust actions.

Unfortunately, there lies a discrepancy between advocated values and concrete actions. More than anything, there is a dire need for greater coherence between declared ideals and genuine efforts to truly honor and uphold human rights principles on this day and in days to come.

There must be a collective effort to hold nations accountable for their actions, protect civilians caught in conflicts, and work tirelessly towards peaceful resolutions. The suffering in Gaza and similar conflict zones underscores the urgency for global cooperation and a genuine commitment to preventing human rights violations.

The repeated failure to achieve consensus on critical resolutions, such as the recent veto on the Gaza ceasefire, not only aggravates the suffering of innocent civilians but also erodes the credibility of international bodies tasked with upholding human rights. There is an urgent need for a concentrated, unbiased effort to resolve conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy, and genuine concern for human lives.

Human dignity and safety should be at the forefront of all actions.

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