UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH - December

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

December is Universal Month for Human Rights. Appropriately enough this month contains International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10th). Honor this time of year by reading and sharing the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created over 70 years ago this month.

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In 1948 with the memory of World War II still fresh, the United Nations crafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The very first article states: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. The document goes on to define what human rights should be respected and protected universally, as well as emphasizing how important it is to do so. 

One of the most important things you can do throughout the course of this month – and beyond into next year – is to find common ground with the people around you. Human Rights Month is about acknowledging that people of different cultures and creeds are still people. We must be careful of differentiating ourselves from our fellow humans so much that we forget this core truth. Take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours. If that culture makes you nervous, so much the better. The Dignity & Respect Campaign has some wonderful resources on how to go about this.

By learning about other people and standing up for their rights you encourage equality, justice, and freedom. These values are antithetical to human and labor trafficking. For more information about Universal Human Rights Month, International Human Rights Day, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights click the button above.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #UniversalHumanRights, #HumanRights, and #StandUp4HumanRights to post on social media. The Dignity & Respect Campaign says the best way we can celebrate Universal Human Rights Month is by working to find common ground with those around us who may not have the same background as we do.  

Their advice is to remember that we were all born into the same world, we are all humans, and our different races, religions, beliefs, and cultures shouldn't divide us. 

This December, take a little time out of your schedule to educate yourself. If another culture makes you anxious or apprehensive, learn more about their history and why they do things the way they do.

Chances are, it'll humanize them and help you understand that they aren't people to be "afraid" of, or to dislike. 

This month, you can also:

• Read a book about the Declaration of Human rights, or about human rights in general
• Spread the word on social media
• Go out of your way to treat everyone with respect, kindness, and equality
• Teach others about why human rights for everyone are so important

HISTORY

The Universal Month for Human Rights started in 1948 when the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.