December is National Universal Human Rights Month!

NATIONAL UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH

We all have seen our share of cruelty and hate. We can do better. So much better.

Human rights are the bedrock of a just and equitable society. They ensure that every individual has the right to live a life free from discrimination, violence, and oppression.

This month-long observance commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

The UDHR outlines fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of their nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status.

Some of these rights include:

➢    Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Person

➢    Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion

➢    Right to Rest and Leisure – Yes, that is in our Bill of Rights!

This includes reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

In 2001, Human Rights Week was officially declared an official observance by President George W. Bush. It has since become a month-long worldwide holiday.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages.

#NationalUniversalHumanRightsMonth2024

National Universal Human Rights Month is a reminder as well as a time to reflect on the way we treat others, and to do what we can in the fight for equality, especially in a time when topics such as systemic racism and inequality are widely addressed.

This is also a time to remember our ideals. These include individual freedoms which we must fight to protect.

Let’s empower each other to stand up for ourselves, our own rights, and for the rights of others.

SUPPORTING #NationalUniversalHumanRightsMonth2024

How to Observe Universal Human Rights Month

●      Learn more about Universal Human Rights Month

There are many resources available online and in libraries.

●      Reread the Bill of Rights

Research what these freedoms mean to you. This time of understanding also honors the work of those who brought them into existence.

●      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 through activism

Help those who are hurting in your own community. Take peaceful action to stand up for individual and communities in need of justice support. After all, to start changing the world, sometimes you just need to start locally.

●      Raise awareness about Universal Human Rights Month

You can talk to your friends and family about it or share information on social media. Shine a spotlight on human rights issues worldwide, from poverty and inequality to freedom of expression and the right to life.

●       Use #NationalUniversalHumanRightsMonth to share on social media.

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