Every December 10th, we mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted and proclaimed by the UN in Paris 1948. This defends individuals’ rights such as life, equality, and freedom of expression and includes economic, social and cultural privileges we cherish in western society, but often take for granted.
I live in Geneva, headquarters of the United Nations, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, Red Cross and dozens of world-renowned humanitarian agencies that fight for equality in workplace and promote health and safety, so I never forget the date. The United Nations Human Rights- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights works to protect rights through international laws.
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
In her speech addressing the UN General Assembly in Geneva, Hillary Clinton challenged diplomats from around the world by saying “Gay rights are human rights, too” and called on world leaders to stop discrimination against gays. “It should never be a crime to be gay.”
Some of my senior students heard the American Secretary of State’s address at the UN, but not everyone could join in marches, attend celebrations, or hear speeches of global leaders. However, we can each steal a moment from our busy lives to reflect on the millions of people who are not allowed to enjoy their rights and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives fighting for freedom for others.
The Universal Declarations of Rights, the most translated document in modern history, available in 382 languages, promotes and protects freedoms of individuals or groups across boundaries and civilizations.
Yet we fall short. Actions speak stronger than words. Genocide recurs, oppression continues, violence erupts, women are mistreated, and slavery exists. Human rights are violated. Everyday. Everywhere. We may be powerless as individuals to radically change laws governing countries, but what small step can we take in our own neighborhood to make a difference? Shake hands with someone of another race; stop to chat with an elderly neighbor, slow down to help a handicapped person. Go out of our way to acknowledge human dignity in others, regardless of their religious beliefs, sexual preference, position in society or color of skin.
“By promoting understanding, help us all to celebrate our human rights & in so doing reaffirm your own,” United Nations Human Rights – Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This year, people around the world used social media to help, inform, inspire & mobilize, uniting others in celebration of our birthday. Pay it forward, pass it on.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing info on this day seldom mentioned in the US, and for helping to build awareness of the progress yet to be made. Excellent suggestions, too, for actions we all can take. I will repost on Facebook. Great work, Pat!
Thanks for passing it on, Carol. Wonder why it doesn’t get much press in the US where we as a nation are so big on promoting human rights.
Pat , This is an awesome reminder to all of us to honor the rights of everyone.I found myself nodding YES through the whole post! Thanks for sharing this universal message in such a heartfelt way. I will repost on facebook and tweet. Another great job!
Thanks for passing on the message, Kath.
Pat, Another home run!! Excellent suggestions on how to promote human dignity in daily life…it doesn’t cost a dime to be kind!
Amen, Barb. Kindess is cost free, so why be stingy with smiles.
Read it. Embrace it. Passing it own and paying it forward!
Peace!
Clara.
I know you are passing it on everyday through your words and works.
Brava! Thanks for highlighting this special day – one that should get a lot more hype. I’ve been listening to the radio all day as I drove to and from my daughter’s college basketball game and not one word was mentioned about this special day.
Insightful! Thanks for the reminder to be grateful and the reminder that we still have work to do.
Ah yes, our human work is always ongoing. Thanks for following Mary.
Sis, another thought provoking piece. Imagine the progress we could make in creating a better world if everyone reached out every day to “acknowledge the human dignities in others.”
I teach this content to my students every semester, Pat. It’s so important and amazing how few people even know about it! Here’s a short video I usually show too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlrSYbCbHE
I teach this content to my students every semester, Pat. It’s so important and amazing how few people even know about it! Here’s a short video I usually show too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlrSYbCbHE
Thank you for spreading the word on the importance of the Declaration of Human Rights, Pat. It’s in the text I use, and I teach it every semester. Here’s a video I often show:
Wow Patty! This is fabulous. I hope you don’t mind if I use it in teaching my class and/or future blogs. It is such a powerful message! My international students are so used be accepted in the bubble of our international community that they forget how it is in the real world and, yet many will probably go on to work in international relations. Thanks for following and providing such a valuable link. Sure wish I could sit in on one of your classes.
Ironic how neutral Switzerland of all countries would pass a bill on banning minarettes: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/world/europe/30swiss.html
Ironic how neutral Switzerland of all countries would pass a bill on banning minarettes: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/world/europe/30swiss.html
Adding hastily: like I’m one to talk, with our dear mr. Wilders spreading islam hate in formerly tolerant Netherlands…