From Priyanka Chopra to Angelina Jolie, this World Human Rights Day, we’re taking inspiration from these stars.

Born and brought up in the war-torn country of Jamaica,' singer Bob Marley once sang to a crowd of thousands during the 'One Love Concert: “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight.” For years, artists, musicians and actors alike, used their platform and work to give a voice to underserved communities and fight against human right violations across the globe. Today, too, the legacy has been continued by many celebrities who are filled with a desire to make change and create impact in any way that they can. Observed on December 10 every year for the last 74 years, Human Rights Day is a reminder of the inalienable rights that every human being is entitled to, irrespective of race, language, sex, colour or religion. So, we took a look at celebrities who are advocating the same. More power to them!

Priyanka Chopra 

In December 2016, Chopra was made a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to promote education for girls and other causes. She has since been actively involved in multiple campaigns of the UNICEF, including eradication of hunger and starvation in Kenya, where she recently visited to participate in the programme at the grass-root level. With the on-going Russia-Ukraine war, Chopra also visited Poland earlier this year where she met children who had been displaced due to the conflict along with psychologists who were working with these children to overcome the emotional impact of the crisis. She has also often taken to social media and been vocal about the issues that she feels deeply about, including gender equality, racism and more. 

Angelina Jolie 

It’s no secret that actor Angelina Jolie has, for many years now, dedicated much time towards humanitarian efforts. In 2001, she began working with the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees, where she travelled across the world to places such as Sierra Leon and Iraq, spent time with refugees and sought solutions on how to overcome the crisis. In 2013, the Oscar winner joined former Foreign Secretary, William Hague of Richmond in efforts to combat sexual violence against women. She worked with the UN and NATO to train more women in the military and towards combating rape during war. Jolie has also been an ambassador of SOS Children’s villages, that works towards protecting the rights of orphaned and abandoned children. 

Shakira

The ‘Queen of Latin Music’ founded the Pies Descaloz Foundation in Colombia which enabled underprivileged children to exercise their right to education. The organisation works towards bridging the cap in the infrastructure deficit that the country faces, making education accessible and creating educational programmes beneficial to both, the teacher and student. When she was pregnant in 2012, she urged her fans to donate to the UNICEF in their efforts to protect the rights of children instead of a baby registry. 

Amal Clooney 

She’s a Lebanese/British barrister, wife to George Clooney and co-director of the Clooney Foundation for Justice. The ultimate aim of the foundation is to create a world where human rights are protected and no one is above the law. Since its inception, their fight for justice has grown every year, and they are currently monitoring and investigating war crimes in Ukraine owing to the on-going war. Their initiatives include programmes such as ‘Trial Watch’ which investigates unjust imprisonment of women, journalists and LGBTQ persons as well as ‘The Docket’ that investigates grave human right violations and enables judicial trials. Amal Clooney also recently teamed up with Michelle Obama and Melinda Gates to work towards education of the girl child across the world. 

Diipa Khosla 

or lawyer-turned influencer, Diipa Büller-Khosla has always wanted to create some impact in the world. She founded Post for Change, a non-profit organisation whose mission has been to harness the power of human engagement online and use it to create visible change, in line with UN’s sustainable development goals. One of the major campaigns has been to fight against sexual violence across the globe, but specifically in India, along with destigmatising negative notions around sexual health and menstruation. 

Shabana Azmi 

Besides being an actor, Shabana Azmi is a political and social activist, who spends much of her time in efforts to protect the rights of underserved women in India. Over the years she has been extremely vocal about her opinions regarding the laws and rights relating to women and also fought for them publicly where she deemed suitable. She was actively involved in supporting the children’s survival and fighting AIDS in the 80’s and also supported the cause of slum dwellers and their right to stable housing. 

Lady Gaga 

“I'm beautiful in my way 'cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret, just love yourself, and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way." 

Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation, that she founded with her mother, perfectly embodies her brand of activism which includes advocating mental health and protecting and fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community to create a kinder and braver world. They work with various community-based organisations to build programmes and campaigns that enable them to achieve their goal. They have created a platform of storytellers of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to create a safe space for expression and have also created various helplines such as the LGBT National Youth Talkline, Trans Lifeline and more. 

Rihanna 

Our girl RiRi has always been vocal about injustices taking place throughout the world and besides showing relentless support during the farmer’s protests in India, showing solidarity to the people of Myanmar, and being vocal about LGBTQ+ rights, she has founded the Clara Lionel Foundation that funds education and programmes for emergency preparedness around the world. Their work primarily revolved around fighting climate and racial injustices and providing basic healthcare to communities world-over.