Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In smaller places, closer to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Are you a human rights activist? Do you think about leaving your mark on the world?
Eleanor Roosevelt is a good example of someone who left a long-standing impression on the world. In the White House, she was one of the most active first ladies in history and worked for political, racial and social justice. After President Roosevelt’s death, she was a delegate to the United Nations and continued to serve as an advocate for a wide range of human rights issues. Roosevelt remained active in various causes until her death at age 78.
I need role models like Roosevelt. If you’re like me, you have worries about the world’s big problems and you want to do something about them. In times of increasing turmoil mounting around the world, there are extremist movements. Conflicts and deprivation are forcing the most vulnerable to flee for their lives. It feels more important than ever to stand up for someone’s rights and today is the perfect day to do that.
In honor of Human Rights Day on December 10, it’s time to start taking practical steps to reaffirm our common humanity…and it can happen anywhere. We don’t have to stand by while some drive wedges of hostility between communities – we can build bridges. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media, at home and on the sports field.
Join the “Stand up for someone’s rights today” campaign by doing one of the following:
Take the stand up pledge: Join the global community of human rights champions by pledging your support to stand up for someone’s rights.
Watch a video message: “It starts with you” from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights where Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein provides a call to action to stand up for human rights:
Be a human rights champion: Get inspired by stories and examples from individuals who will tell you how they have stood up for human rights and find out what you can do to join them.
Take action: Spread the word on the “Stand up for someone’s rights today” campaign and standing up for human rights in your everyday life.
Tell your story: Be an inspiration for others. Your story could be featured on a wall of human rights champions!
Attend a Human Rights Day event: Activities are planned across the world to commemorate the signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a great humanitarian who dedicated much of her life to fighting for political and social change. We can follow in her footsteps. Let’s start today!
Take Action Challenge:
Please spread the word, take the pledge, share videos and stories on your social media streams and get involved using the hashtag #StandUp4HumanRights.