Today, December 10th, is a very special day- International Human Rights Day.
On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become a universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration. It is celebrated around the globe that "All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms".
This year's Human Rights Day theme is: Inclusion and the right to participate in public life. Everybody has the right to have their voice heard and to have a role in making the decisions that shape their communities. Each one of us should be able to choose those people who will represent us in all governance institutions, to stand for public office, and to vote on the fundamental questions that shape our individual and collective destinies.
Fulfillment of the right to participate in public life is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society and an effective human rights protection system. Inclusion of ALL in decision-making processes is an essential precondition to the achievement of both.
The Advocates for Human Rights website provides resources on human rights in the United States and around the world, including "toolkits" for public education.
Amnesty International Amnesty International offers human rights reports and opportunities for activism.
Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch provides resources organized by country, subject matter, and more.
Human Rights Day presents an opportunity, every year, to celebrate human rights, highlight a specific issue, and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere.
This year, the spotlight is on the rights of all people — women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and marginalized — to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making. These are human rights — the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, to peaceful assembly and association, and to take part in government (articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights).
Border Action Networks supports this day- we have a new mission statement that details our commitment to human rights for all: “Border Action Network is a human rights organization in border and immigrant communities. Our mission is to promote safety, equality, dignity, understanding and justice within the human environment and across cultures regardless of race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or country of origin.”
Vision: “A humane and civil society that values healthy, just and vibrant border and immigrant communities. “
We hope you will join us in this very important work- become a member of Border Action Network today!
Please follow the link below to learn how you can become a part of our efforts to make our vision a reality.
