Yesterday (10 December) the world paused to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Back in 1948 a war weary world gathered to establish a globally defining document that “proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”  (Source: un.org website)

Alas, a winter storm power outage knocked Virginia’s planned post out, but seriously?

Human rights are important every day of the year.

“We often think of the lack of human rights in far away places, but there are many issues to consider closer to home. Life is a gift, but for many crushed by injustice, inequality, torture, and lack of access to basic rights, it’s a struggle to survive…”

Virginia (in last year’s blog: Human Rights for ALLLLLLLLL!)

This year’s 70th anniversary international #StandUp4HumanRights campaign focuses on the following:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
• Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
• Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
• Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
• Whenever and wherever humanity’s values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
• We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Here’s a brief (1 & 1/2 minute) UN video encapsulating these inalienable rights:

So, what can we do?

Be aware, share, and try to be advocates for these rights.

Everywhere.

Photo: VLW (Tanzania) : )

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close, so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” Eleanor Roosevelt (who chaired the drafting committee of the declaration and pushed for its passage in the fledgling United Nations.)

grace, peace & human rights

Virginia : )

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8