December is Universal Human Rights Month! On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which established a set of principles regarding equality, fairness, and fundamental human rights that must be universally protected. These principles recognize our freedom to make choices about our lives and develop our human potential. The principles are about living free from fear, harassment, and discrimination.
President George W. Bush first declared Human Rights Week in December 2001, and it has since become a month-long worldwide holiday. This year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is available in more than 500 languages and is the most translated document in the world. It consists of 30 articles, which include basic human rights toequality, life, liberty, personal security, freedom from slavery, freedom from torture and degrading treatment, the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty, the right to own property, the right to education, and freedom of belief and religion.
This month provides us with the opportunity to reflect on how we treat one another, to stand up for our individual rights and the rights of others, to think about what these freedoms mean to you, and to volunteer or donate to local, statewide, national, and/or global organizations that support and fight for human rights.
Be the change you wish to see in the world!
Sources: Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations & UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH -December 2023 - National Today; Human Rights Day | United Nations]
