Call for Action: 2023 International Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is a celebration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 – 75 years ago. Although there are serious violations of human rights every day, the Declaration elaborates the principles that are fundamental for decent societies in our global community. 


Fighting for human rights depends on unity, collective force, and concerted action. Whenever and wherever they are threatened, trade unions are there to defend them. There is no more powerful transformative force in our societies than organised workers. We can shift the balance of power at the workplace and in our communities through the power of collective solidarity and action. 


Globally, far-right ideas and practices, and their groups’ violent, destructive and divisive populist nationalism, are rising to power. Wherever it happens, they curtail human, workers’ and trade union rights. They attack elites harvesting our anger and fear, but if elected, they deliver for those same elites. They bring war, death and destruction. They were never and never will be allied of the working class. They attack the unity of workers because they realise that trade unions can move societies if we actively affirm:


  • The defence of the human rights of workers;
  • The strengthening and development of public welfare and services;
  • The inclusion and respect of all so that they are free of discrimination regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, country of origin, religion, employment status, or other characteristics;
  • Support for institutions of democracy and helping to make them better, stronger, and more responsive;
  • The defence and promotion of peace, not only among and within countries, but to ensure respect for individuals in families, workplaces, and communities so they are free from violence and intimidation;
  • Respect for the truth and working to reduce the impact on public debate of distortions. 

This 10th of December, Human Rights Day, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) is mobilised worldwide to defend peace, justice and dignity at work. 


No action is too big or too small for Human Rights Day – i.e., a workplace discussion, a demonstration, a protest letter, or something completely different. Our power is participation and dialogue. That is the collective force that we will demonstrate. 


  • Use campaign resources such as posters to promote the campaign. 

         Download posters for actions and solidarity photos. 


  • Share your actions via social media using the hashtags: #BWIHumanRightsDay, and tagging @BWIglobal (X/Twitter) or @BWIGlobalUnion (Facebook/Instagram) 

  • Print out posters and post them at workplaces and other areas frequented by trade unionists and other workers. 

⏰ When? 


From the 10th until the 15th of December. 


🗣 Spread the word!


Contact our BWI regional staff and/or BWI Global Campaigns Director Paola Cammilli at paola.cammilli@bwint.org for further information and support. 


Say no to the far right. Say yes to human rights!