Human Rights Day: Why Accessibility Is a Human Right

Every year on December 10, the world commemorates Human Rights Day—the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The UDHR affirms the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people, including principles of equality, non-discrimination, and participation—principles that sit at the heart of both digital and physical accessibility.

Accessibility is fundamental—not optional

Accessibility is not a “nice to have”; it’s a human right. Access to information, education, employment, health care, and civic life—online and offline—is essential for full participation in society. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people (about 16% of the population) experience a significant disability. When spaces, services, and technologies are accessible, people gain independence and inclusion; when they’re not, barriers exclude and marginalize.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) underscores this reality. Article 9 recognizes accessibility as a prerequisite for equal participation and calls for accessible environments, transportation, information, and communications—including information and communication technologies.

Why Human Rights Day matters for accessibility

Human Rights Day is a moment to celebrate progress and confront remaining gaps. Despite advances in policy and technology, many people still face:

• Inaccessible digital experiences (websites, mobile apps, documents, and media).
• Physical environments without accommodations (buildings, public spaces, transportation).
• Organizational practices that overlook inclusion (procurement, hiring, communications).
  
  

These barriers limit access to essential services and opportunities, contradicting the promise of equal rights for all.

How accessibility supports core human rights

• Education: Accessible learning materials, platforms, and classrooms support equitable outcomes from early education to lifelong learning.
• Employment: Inclusive hiring, reasonable accommodations, and accessible workplaces expand opportunity and strengthen organizations.
• Expression and civic participation: Accessible communication platforms, meetings, and public services enable people to speak, be heard, and engage in community life.
  
  

What organizations can do today

• Audit your digital content: Evaluate your website, apps, and documents against the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 and remediate gaps.
• Adopt inclusive policies and procurement: Build accessibility into policies, budgets, vendor contracts, and training.
• Educate and empower teams: Provide ongoing education on accessibility, disability etiquette, and assistive technology; include people with disabilities in research and testing.
• Track legal and standards updates: In the U.S., for example, the Department of Justice’s 2024 Title II rule requires state and local governments to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA on defined timelines—planning early is essential.
  
  

On this Human Rights Day, reaffirm that human rights include accessibility rights. When we remove barriers, everyone benefits—innovation increases, communities grow stronger, and no one is left behind.