December is Universal Human Rights Month
Date: 12/07/2023
December 10 commemorates the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. This document was written by people of different backgrounds with the goal of creating a basic standard for treating all human beings.
The 2023 theme, “Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future,” builds on past themes such as “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” “EQUALITY – Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights,” and “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights.” These themes illustrate the Declaration’s core principle: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
This month of recognition allows us to reflect on our ideals, including protecting individual freedoms. Human Rights Month reminds us to look back on the ways we’ve treated our fellow human beings. It truly empowers us.
The principles in the Declaration of Independence are still relevant today. This fact should awaken each of us to stand up for ourselves, our own rights, and the rights of others.
Here are a few ways to observe this important month:
- Reread the Bill of Rights. www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights/what-does-it-say
- Research and reflect on what these freedoms mean to you. Taking time to understand our history honors the work of those who worked to grant these freedoms.
- Do some volunteering. Organizations such as Amnesty International, a charity that works to support and spread awareness of human rights, are always looking for volunteers.
- Do your part to help protect others.
- Give back to your community.
- Help those who are hurting in your own community. After all, to start changing the world, sometimes you need to start locally.
In a world of division, there is no better time of the year to shine a kind and loving light on the importance of treating everyone with respect and appreciation. During Universal Human Rights Month, we wish you all peace and kindness.