December is Universal Human Rights Month, when we are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. Human Rights Month marks the initial codification in 1948, by the United Nations General Assembly, of the basic human rights of every individual on the planet.

It is often said that World War II was fought so that everyone should have four basic four freedoms:

• Freedom of Speech
• Freedom of Religion
• Freedom from Fear
• Freedom from Want

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”

-Nelson Mandela

On the 10th of December the United nations adopted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is an international document that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings. Considered a foundational text in the history of human and civil rights, the Declaration consists of 30 articles detailing an individual’s “basic rights and fundamental freedoms”. These rights include freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

“You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.” – Clarence Darrow, American lawyer

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that these rights are applicable regardless of gender, age, race, political affiliation, or sexual preference. It has been translated into more than 500 languages — more than any other document in the world.

Celebrate Human Rights Month by understanding firstly what this codified set of freedoms does for you. There is an illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights available.  National Human Rights Month is about acknowledging that people are people, plain and simple. You can get involved and volunteer for an organization such as Amnesty International, a charity organization that works tirelessly to support and spread human rights.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King

You can also read a book about the Declaration of Human rights, or about human rights in general. And spread the word on social media using #NationalHumanRights and #HumanRights. Take time to remember the people that don’t enjoy the same freedoms and liberties that we, perhaps, take for granted.

Hashtag                #HumanRightsMonth