What are Human Rights?
_
Human Rights
are the rights, which count for every single human being. The basic idea is
that every person on earth should be provided with equal rights because he or
she is a human being. Those rights are universal, unalienable, and egalitarian.
That means they should be self-evident and available for everyone everywhere.
They exist in national and international law as well. The idea of human rights
originates in the age of the humanism and enlightenment.
"All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights . . . for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that."
-The Dalai Lama
The first record of human rights is dated in the year 1525. At this time the so-called Twelve Articles were demanded by the peasants toward the Swabian League (the union of the lords) after the German Peasants’ War. The Twelve Articles were followed by similar declarations in other countries (Spain, England…). In the 18th century two big revolutions took place, they were both based on the demand for (human) rights. The United States Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen as well established certain legal rights.
"All human beings, whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights . . . for it is the inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that."
-The Dalai Lama
The first record of human rights is dated in the year 1525. At this time the so-called Twelve Articles were demanded by the peasants toward the Swabian League (the union of the lords) after the German Peasants’ War. The Twelve Articles were followed by similar declarations in other countries (Spain, England…). In the 18th century two big revolutions took place, they were both based on the demand for (human) rights. The United States Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen as well established certain legal rights.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
___The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (short: UDHR) was published by the United
Nations General Assembly on December 10 in 1948. (Since 1948 the 10th of
December represents the International Day of Human Rights.) The publication of
the declaration was a direct action after the happenings and experiences of the
Second World War. It is the very first global expression of human rights. The UDHR
is part of the International Bill of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of 30 articles. Its main idea is that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It builds the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It does not only protect the rights of single individuals but also of whole communities. The UN claims that the UDHR is the common achievement for all people and nations of our world.
The publication of the Universal Declaration has received praise from all over the world. Eleanor Roosevelt, the first chairwoman of the commission that drafted the Declaration, said that the Declaration “may well become the international Magna Carta of all men everywhere.” Pope John Paul II called it “one of the highest expressions of the human conscience of our time.” The European Union stated “it placed human rights at the centre of the framework of principles and obligations shaping relations within the international community.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of 30 articles. Its main idea is that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It builds the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It does not only protect the rights of single individuals but also of whole communities. The UN claims that the UDHR is the common achievement for all people and nations of our world.
The publication of the Universal Declaration has received praise from all over the world. Eleanor Roosevelt, the first chairwoman of the commission that drafted the Declaration, said that the Declaration “may well become the international Magna Carta of all men everywhere.” Pope John Paul II called it “one of the highest expressions of the human conscience of our time.” The European Union stated “it placed human rights at the centre of the framework of principles and obligations shaping relations within the international community.”
Can Students make a difference about Human Rights?
Are you interested in making a difference about human rights? If yes, do not wait. There are so many ways to make a difference, even as a student. There are hundreds of issues going on at the moment. Take action right now.
The first step is to educate yourself about human rights. After you gained that knowledge you should call other people’s attention and work together. The best way of taking action is to do it as a group. You can also join one of many organizations fighting for human rights and volunteer. Or you can write about any issue that is bothering you. That is exactly what we, the students from Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, are doing.
We are writing about people who are, or were, fighting successfully for human rights. We are following the concept of Speak Truth To Power, a project of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. Speak Truth To Power is a global initiative that uses the achievements and experiences of defenders from around the world. Its goal is to educate people, especially students, about human rights and to urge them to take action in that issue.
"Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity. On this International Human Rights Day, let us continue to work together to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights, to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations."
-Kofi Annan
The first step is to educate yourself about human rights. After you gained that knowledge you should call other people’s attention and work together. The best way of taking action is to do it as a group. You can also join one of many organizations fighting for human rights and volunteer. Or you can write about any issue that is bothering you. That is exactly what we, the students from Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, are doing.
We are writing about people who are, or were, fighting successfully for human rights. We are following the concept of Speak Truth To Power, a project of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. Speak Truth To Power is a global initiative that uses the achievements and experiences of defenders from around the world. Its goal is to educate people, especially students, about human rights and to urge them to take action in that issue.
"Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity. On this International Human Rights Day, let us continue to work together to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights, to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations."
-Kofi Annan