On December 10, 1948 the United Nations of General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration proclaimed that December 10 is Human Rights Day every year.
The purpose of the day is to stand up for someone’s rights. Of course the day has passed, but this week is to be celebrated as Humans Rights Week. The United Nations General Assembly said that the purpose of the day is to show that, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
We should respect that and do our best to encourage action against inequality that we witness in our lives daily.
President Barack Obama made a Presidential Proclamation the day before December 10 saying, “In the last few decades, our world has made great strides in advancing human rights and the institutions that protect them.”
He went on to state that it is our duty as individuals to push for a world that doesn’t leave anybody behind and said, “Far too many people around the world are still denied their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we must work to end the discrimination that is too often felt by LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, women and girls of all ages, and members of religious, ethnic, and other minorities.”
So what exactly can we do this week to advocate human rights?
First off, what better way to advocate the issues in human rights than educating yourself about the issues and sharing that with others? Read up on all of today’s social issues and share anything you find helpful and important on social media or make small talk with others by mentioning what your read.
If someone says something discriminatory, show your concern and tell him or her politely that they are saying something hurtful and wrong. Make your disapproval obvious, but be rational and levelheaded if they are stubborn and don’t listen; at least you tried and can keep trying talking with others rather than not saying anything at all.
See what human rights groups are up to! Whether local or national, you can see if they have any activities planned or recommendations for how people should promote the week.
Here are a list of organizations that you can check out and even donate or get involved in like Hands Up United, Center for Constitutional Rights, The True Colors Fund, The Trevor Project, Black Lives Matter, Gurls Talk, The Representation Project, etc.
And don't forget that you can always search for organizations in your town or school's community too!
Buy merch and wear shirts that show your support! There are awesome and simplistic choices out there like Black Lives Matter t-shirts, a ‘The Future is Female’ t-shirt, LGBTQ merch, Gurls Talk merch and more. Even if the money spent might not go to any organizations, depending on where you shop, at least you can voice your support in a way that may be most comfortable to you.
This week can be a start to spread the word about important human rights issues and organizations that many might not be aware of. Whether it be this week in particular or any other ordinary day, many organizations want you to always be open to educating yourself about the issues and how you can help.
Here is a link to Human Rights Day site that has plenty of resources and information on the history and importance of December 10 and the message of equality it stands for.
