The Struggle for Human Rights Is Our Struggle Too

By David Mans
Translated by Joel McDonald

Every December 10th

Human Rights Day is celebrated every December 10th, coinciding with the date on which the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in 1948. The declaration proclaims the inherent inalienable rights of all human beings, regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, place of birth or any other condition.

It is an interesting fact that this statement was written three days after the end of the World War II Holocaust. When the world saw in horror what happened to the human beings in the concentration camps, their leaders hurried to implement tools so that such horror would never happen again.

There Is Still a Long Way to Go

Although the declaration is supported by the United Nations and measures are taken against certain countries that do not comply with it, the truth is that we are far from seeing that the human rights of all are respected. Transgender people are still killed around the world. In Chechnya, people are persecuted and imprisoned for being gay. It is also considered a crime to be gay in Iran. There are still governments that respond with arms to masses of citizens protesting injustice. Wars are still being decided in luxurious salons by the wealthy and powerful.

What Can I Do?

Being only citizens and without too many resources, we think that there is not much we can do so that the values established in the Universal Declaration are implemented. Nothing is further from reality. Individual effort within the social collective is what forces the change.

I am convinced that belonging to and supporting the efforts of organizations like Affirmation contributes toward ensuring that the values expressed in the declaration become a reality. It is in harmony with Affirmation’s values and principles.

Celebration of the Declaration of Human Rights

Next year will be celebrated 70 years of the drafting of the Declaration, so it is organizing a global event (to participate you can follow the link).

Next year, we will celebrate 70 years since the drafting of the declaration. A global event to celebrate is being organized. Find out how you can participate in this celebration.