Observing Human Rights Day -- December 10th

I wonder how many people know that December 10th is Human Rights Day. Not just for the United States, but for the world; at least for the part of the world that agreed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights back in 1948, after World War II. As we look around at our world today, can we say that Human Rights have improved, declined, or stayed the same?

The background:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, as a direct result of World War II atrocities. This declaration was an attempt to establish and agree with human rights terms to which all humankind was inherently entitled to; simply by being born into the world.

The details:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is made up of several segments, including a Preamble, 30 distinct Articles, and more. The Preamble consists of several paragraphs, basically describing the intent of the Declaration, and the 30 Articles describe the individual Human Rights that all humankind is entitled to.

For example-Preamble:
The first paragraph of the UDHR Preamble explains how recognizing human dignity for all people is the basis for peace and justice everywhere. The second paragraph describes how contempt and ignoring of human rights resulted in atrocious and inhumane acts which have burned painfully in the conscience of humankind; and that the four Freedoms; Freedom of speech, Freedom of belief, Freedom from want, and Freedom from fear are deemed to be the strongest goal of humankind. The remaining Preamble paragraphs reinforce and bolster the concept of Human Rights for all, in similar ways as the first two paragraphs. Visit the links below for more about the UDHR Preamble.

For example-Articles:
Article 1 reads: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." Article 2 reads: "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty." Article 3 reads: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person." Article 5 reads: "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment." Article 7 reads: "All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination." Article 11 reads: " 1. Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence. 2. No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed." Article 15 reads: "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks." And so it goes--the 30 Articles clearly and profoundly describe the Human Rights that this Declaration intends for all who live within the countries and regions that have agreed to its terms. Visit the links below for more about the 30 UDHR Articles.

Observing Human Rights Day:
December 10th is Human Rights Day. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the UDHR. As such, there are a number of special Human Rights Day events scheduled around the world to commemorate and remember the purpose and importance of such a Declaration. Visit the links below for more details on that.

Can't get to any events?
That's ok. Not everyone can attend rallies or other similar venues; and that is perfectly acceptable. Those who can do that will do that; others can observe in other ways. For example, perhaps you should take the initiative on December 10th to send an email to your government representatives; reminding them of the day, and of the importance for them to always uphold Human Rights, and to protect freedom in all they do. Or, perhaps you can send Human Rights Day reminders to your friends and family. Or, maybe you just want to enjoy some of the Human Rights freedoms outlined in the UDHR itself on that day! Visit the links below to connect with your (U.S. and Canada) representatives.

Conclusion: No matter how you decide to observe Human Rights Day, remember one thing: "We ARE all in this together!" If we lose sight of that, I'm afraid Human Rights might not mean very much in the long term.

Tips & Warnings
-Visit the links below for more about the UDHR and the Human Rights Day 60th anniversary event schedules.
-The UDHR is technically not legally binding. However, those countries and entities which have adopted it allegedly profess to be on board with its intent and purpose.
Links
-KnowYourRights2008
-Wikipedia-Universal Declaration of Human Rights
-High Commissioner for Human Rights-Geneva, Switzerland
-UDHR-Text
-Contacts-U.S. Government
-Contacts-Canadian Government