Today, December 10th, the world will collectively celebrate Human Rights Day. Human Rights Day was established in 1948 by the United Nations to reinforce the idea that the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work, and education (and many more) should be available to all human beings. If you are reading this blog, then likely you already enjoy lots of freedom and worry less about your fundamental rights, and I encourage you to pause to appreciate what we have, and to think about how others in other parts of the world have a very different experience.
The theme of Human Rights Day 2021 is Equality – reducing inequality, advancing human rights. This is not about different cultures and value systems. It is about basic Human rights that all should have access to, without discrimination. It’s a call for recognition of the fact that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” As disparities in many communities still beg for equity and justice, this is an important concept to embrace as we navigate our post-pandemic world. Since its adoption in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages – the most translated document in the world – and has inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and many new democracies.
I find encouragement in this and hope you do as well. The idea that this day has expanded with so many translations suggests to me that we are moving forward. And yet as we listen to the news, we know and appreciate that there is more work to do.
The requirement is so fundamental and where it’s lacking is hard to tackle as one person. I think we can search out organizations that are focused on making a difference and support them financially. I also think we can share with others that this is a world day of acknowledging the right of humans to basic rights. Driving a universal celebration of this day means we are moving closer to achieving the true tenants of what this day is all about. One by one we become one.
Dr. Lisa
Our theme song is “We Are the World” by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie