"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." So says Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Or, to put it another way; we all have the same inalienable human rights. You, me, everyone - no exceptions.

On 10 December 1948, the countries of the world came together to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Seven decades later, the Declaration still stands as a vision of hope that has inspired and mobilised countless persons around the world to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.

This year, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Declaration, we’re celebrating its first Article. Twelve words that encapsulate one very big idea:

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Free and equal – it has a nice ring, doesn’t it? Article 1 recognizes that no-one’s rights are secure until everyone’s rights are secure. That freedom and equality go hand in hand. That, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “No one is free until we are all free”.

For all the progress of the past 70 years, there’s still a long way to go. Around the world, people face violence, stigma and discrimination – based on the colour of their skin, their disability, their age, their gender, what they believe in - or simply because they are lesbian, gay, bi, trans or intersex.

A free and equal world is possible – but only if we all stand together.