Dec 10, 2012 by Judy
Most of us who are blessed to not be a victim of abuse, regardless of its many horrific forms, don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the day to day lives of those who are victims. After writing many times on human rights violations, there is one thing that stands out to me and that is there are so many wonderful caring people and organizations working to change the way things are. In this instance it is a worldwide, inter-governmental force at work giving the issue a booming voice. If I were a victim, it would give me hope to know that one day either my life or the life of someone I love, would be mine to live and without fear. Lets be educated and do what we can to be part of the solution and the momentum that will bring about necessary change.
Human Rights Day
Human Rights
The rights to freedom of opinion and expression, to peaceful assembly and association, and to take part in government (articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on December 10th 1948 and came on the heals of the end of WWII and the atrocities on humanity witnessed there. Since then December 10th has marked Human Rights Day worldwide. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day.
The UDHR: the foremost statement of the rights and freedoms of all human beings
The Declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, consists of a preamble and 30 articles, setting out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction.
The Most Universal Document in the World
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into more than 380 languages and dialects: from Abkhaz to Zulu. The Universal Declaration is thus the most translated document – indeed, the most “universal” one in the world.
Taken from a portion of the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be viewed, in its entirety, by clicking on the link. For all of societies problems and downfalls, it is very uplifting to read the Declaration which shows a magnificently drawn up plan that will hopefully one day be fully realized in its protection and freedom of all humans on the earth. Also, there are so many ways you can make a difference and one of them is by buying Fair Trade products. Buying Fair Trade Certified products is no small thing and holds the power of change on many levels. It ensures fair working conditions for many who once worked in oppressive, dangerous work places, fair pay bringing many out of poverty and allowing for self-made choices and more organic, eco-friendly farming which is safer and better for the planet.
Let’s observe Human Rights Day with a humble, grateful heart and do something on December 10th that benefits a fellow human being letting them know someone cares and they are worthy of the attention.
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