Special News--December 2023
Universal Declaration of Human RightCommemorating and Reaffirming Our Human Rights75 Years (1948--2023)10 December is Human Rights Day!2023 Theme: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All
Image: UN Photo/Martine Perret/Eskinder Debebe/Gregório Cunha
(UN Human Rights Day website)"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."Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights ________
Overview
In this Update (#90), we focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We are whole-heartedly joining in the commemoration of its 75th year of the UDHR (10 December 1948--10 December 2023) and in the reaffirmation of its foundational principles for human dignity, equality, peace, and wellbeing.
In so commemorating, we absolutely are not glossing over the challenges of implementing the UDHR and subsequent human rights instruments. Nor are we minimizing the episodic and ongoing selective application or blatant disregard of basic human rights in various settings. In addition to our virtuous human qualities, our human propensities to self-justify, be intolerant, and exploit others--from the individual through the international levels--can wreak havoc on people's and peoples' human rights.
Background
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages. The UDHR is widely recognized as having inspired, and paved the way for, the adoption of more than seventy human rights treaties, applied today on a permanent basis at global and regional levels (all containing references to it in their preambles)." (UN—Peace, Dignity, and Equality on a Healthy Planet)
Learning More about Human Rights
Specifically, we share the Preamble of the UDHR (with its six "whereas" assertions--in hopes that you will also read the Articles 1-30 that follow it) as well as information on the UN's special Human Rights 75 Initiative (in hopes that you will learn more about this world-wide effort). There are of course so many other materials and resources related to human rights, We encourage you to use this Update and the occasion of the UDHR' 75th year to delve more deeply into this crucial area.
We conclude the Update with some personal perspectives on being "people of faith-hope-love" in the Christian tradition who embrace "common ground for the common good." It is an inclusive approach which encourages active partnership with a diverse group of colleagues on behalf of wellbeing for all people and the planet.
Suggested Applications--Making It Personal
- Read the materials below about the two featured items--UDHR Preamble and the Human Rights 75 Initiative.
- Reflect on the four quotes below in this Update.
- Probe further into the two featured items by reading the 30 articles in the UDHR (in one or more of its 500 languages) and explore the website for the Human Rights 75 Initiative (UN Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner).
- Share this Update with your colleagues, organization(s), and network(s). Discuss practical applications for your life and work.
See these Global Integration Updates:
Warm greetings,
Kelly and Michèle
MCAresources@gmail.com
Featured Resources
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Commemorating and Reaffirming Our Human Rights
75 Years (1948--2023)
Image: UN
"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."
Article 3, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
________
Preamble
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
"Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly,
Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.”
10 December is Human Rights Day!
2023 Theme: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All
Quote One for Reflection:
"Human beings are held to possess human rights, and to be accountable and to live up to them simply because they are human, not because they are Muslim, or Christian, or Buddhist, or Jewish, or Hindu, or a member of any particular religious or philosophical tradition. The whole point of human rights is that they are taken to be binding and available, regardless of identity or worldview. This does not mean, of course, that people are not free to harbor their own personal reasons—religious or otherwise—for believing in human rights. It only means that such views may not be taken as "official" or in any way binding on others who do not share them." David Little in his Foreword to John Nurser's book, For All Peoples and All Nations: Christian Churches and Human Rights (2005, page ix).
Quote Two for Reflection:
"…the Human Rights Commission [1945] went on to bring into being the Universal Declaration [1948] and thereby to make way for and inspire a whole array of subsequent human rights documents on civil, political, economic, social, cultural, racial, gender, minority, environmental, and other issues, that today set international standards for what is expected of nation-states, both within and outside their borders. Although these standards are not universally enforced around the world, they are more and more taken to comprise the basic international requirements of political legitimacy. It is simply the case now that states found systematically and grossly to these violate standards are regarded as pariahs." David Little in his Foreword to John Nurser's book, For All Peoples and All Nations: Christian Churches and Human Rights (2005, page x).
Human Rights 75 Initiative
UN Human Rights--Office of the High Commissioner
Tweet, Instagram or YouTube your action using the hashtags
#humanrights75 and #Act4RightsNow
Image above and quote below: Human Rights 75 Initiative website
"Together, let’s rejuvenate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, demonstrate how it can meet the needs of our time AND advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all”.
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"Background. Rebirth often follows decimation. And so, in the aftermath of World War II, on 10 December 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
If there was ever a moment to rekindle the hope of human rights for every person, it is now. And this moment will last throughout 2023 and beyond – a year of commemoration of one of the world’s most ground-breaking international commitments. In 2023, we reinvigorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, showing the ways it meets the needs of our time, and advancing its promise of freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Solidarity for the rights of everyone. In the decades since 50 countries signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we have pushed the frontiers in medicine, technology, the environment, social and political expression, economic and labour laws, and more. Progress is a process, and we have much to build on. The Declaration reflects an agreement that equality, freedom and justice are values that drive a thriving society when everyone could experience equal access to opportunities in these domains and any of their choosing.
The Declaration is a life guide encompassing 30 articles that address rights and benefits, which have been realized by many yet outside the reach of others. These include access to education, employment, fair pay, voting rights, healthcare and more; the values of free speech, privacy, and mutual respect irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion are evinced by the Declaration.
Human Rights 75 is an initiative whose three main goals focus on universality, progress and engagement under the leadership of UN Human Rights, together with its partners. The initiative culminates in a high-level event in December 2023 that will announce global pledges and ideas for a vision for the future of human rights.
Read more on the Human Rights 75 website
Note the special events (hybrid) at the UN Geneva on 11-12 December 2023
See "Stories Showcasing the Humans in Human Rights" (UNOCHR)
Quote Three for Reflection:
“In addition to literacy and numeracy, education must advance the cause of global citizenship which: promotes integrated development of the whole person emotionally, ethically, intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually; imbued with an understanding of our roles, rights and responsibilities for the common good in service to humanity and the advancement of a culture of peace, non-violence, freedom, justice, and equality…“empowers learners to assume active roles to face and resolve global challenges and to become proactive contributors to a more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, and secure world” [UNESCO 2014]; nurtures a sense of solidarity and empathy in order to end poverty, protect the planet, ensure human rights, and foster prosperous and fulfilling lives for all….We commit to…An education that teaches conflict resolution, a deep appreciation for diversity, ethical reasoning, gender equality, human rights and responsibilities, interdependence, multilingual and multicultural competence, social justice, sustainable development, and values.” Education for Global Citizenship: Achieving the SDGs Together--Gyeongju Action Plan. UN DPI/NGO (2016, pages 1,2)
Quote Four for Reflection:
“[Global Citizen Education (GCE)] has a critical role to play in equipping learners with competencies to deal with the dynamic and interdependent world of the twenty-first century. While GCE has been applied in different ways in different contexts, regions and communities, it has a number of common elements, which include fostering in learners:
- an attitude supported by an understanding of multiple levels of identity, and the potential for a ‘collective identity’ which transcends individual cultural, religious, ethnic or other differences;
- a deep knowledge of global issues and universal values such as justice, equality, dignity and respect;
- cognitive skills to think critically, systemically and creatively, including adopting a multiperspective approach that recognizes the different dimensions, perspectives and angles of issues;
- non-cognitive skills including social skills such as empathy and conflict resolution, communication skills and aptitudes for networking and interacting with people of different backgrounds, origins, cultures and perspectives; and
- behavioural capacities to act collaboratively and responsibly to find global solutions for global challenges, and to strive for the collective good.“
Global Citizenship Education: Preparing Learners for the Challenges of the 21st Century, Executive Summary, UNESCO (2014 page 9)
Personal Reflections
Being People of Faith-Hope-Love
California Coastline USA--Image courtesy and © ENOD 2016
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.
This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, 1964
As people of faith who practice Christian spirituality, we are committed to responsibly engage with others in the challenges facing our world, locally through globally, while holding firmly to our belief that we are in God's hands. We pray that God's purposes "will be done on earth as they are in heaven;" acknowledge that prayer, repentance, and relationship with God are key to human-planetary wellbeing; and live in hope for the time when God through Jesus Christ will decisively intervene in human history with equity--righteousness and justice--to restore all things. And in the meantime, we seek to embrace lifestyles of integrity that prioritize a deep, practical love for truth, peace, and people--and this includes being willing to acknowledge, resist, and confront evil in its many forms (starting with ourselves ourselves, etc.).
We do not want to further problematize our world's plight by focusing primarily on the negative. Rather we want to also promote the many examples of the good going forward, as people of integrity find common ground for the common good.
Finally, we want to highlight that the despair and disillusion that result from seemingly intractable problems like corruption can also be quite positive. They can embody a crucial existential message about reality that can be "revisited"--explored and heeded--rather than simply "resisted." They can point us to Someone who is bigger than ourselves, the SDGs, humanity, and our world--the knowable, Eternal One who is both in and beyond space-time and who loves us all dearly.
The above thoughts build upon the Personal Reflections in Perils, Paralysis, Hope: Sustainable Development-Sustainable Destruction? (Global Integration Update, October 2022).
Member Care Associates
MCAresources@gmail.com
Member Care Associates Inc. (MCA) is a non-profit, Christian organization working internationally from Geneva and the USA. MCA's involvement in Global Integration focuses on the wellbeing and effectiveness of personnel and their organizations across sectors (e.g., mission, humanitarian, peace, health, and development sectors) as well as global mental health and integrity/anti-corruption, all with a view towards collaboratively supporting sustainable development for all people and the planet. Our services include consultation, training, research, resource development, and publications.
