Human Rights Day 2011

Less than two weeks from today the world will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). On December 10th, 1948, in the wake of the atrocities of World War II and other injustices around the world, the United Nations General Assembly took a stand for the human race and declared that “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 adoption of such a declaration inherently changed the international community that day. No longer would governments and nations be able to repress, torment and murder their own citizens because of their race, gender, social status, etc. States and regimes would be held accountable to the greater world for their actions, no longer operating with impunity. The UDHR is not a binding document, however, it’s adoption has created numerous bodies within the United Nations that work to accomplish and uphold the ideals and framework established within the original ideals. The principal human rights official for the UN created in the wake of the UDHR is the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who spearheads the United Nations’ human rights efforts. The OHCHR offers leadership, works objectively, educates and takes action to empower individuals and assist states in upholding human rights. The OHCHR supports the work of the other United Nations human rights mechanisms as, such as the Human Rights Council and the core treaty bodies.

Speaking to the progress that human rights have made in 2011, the OHCHR believes that “It has been a year like no other for human rights. Human rights activism has never been more topical or more vital. And through the transforming power of social media, ordinary people have become human rights activists.” Clearly drawing from the Arab Spring, the Occupy movement, and the increased presence of social media in activism, it’s clear to this Body that human rights are at the forefront of the public mind at the moment. This is something that we cannot take lightly. Each of us, being a citizen of the world, is able to reflect on these, and other movements, in order to realize how we can echo the sentiments found in the UDHR, while working to ensure the rights of people around the world.

The UDHR is the most translated document in the world; it is available in more than 300 languages and dialects, from Abkhaz to Zulu – this alone proves how influential and accessible these ideals have been over the last 63 years. We here at Global Solutions Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Human Rights Network are working to broadcast and promote the principles found in the UDHR as part of our values and mission. We do this by raising awareness and public consciousness about global issues and human rights in the classroom as well as in the local community.

Our second annual Human Rights Day Celebration is the manifestation of these ideals – working to promote and honor the progress that has been made in the human rights community in 2011. We will also recognize local successes, by featuring local organizations that have reflected the ideals found within the UDHR, giving the community the opportunity to learn more about human rights and how they can get involved to change the world for the better. This event will take place on Friday, December 9th, 2011 at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty from 6-9 PM. For information, please see our website, www.pittsburghhumanrights.org.

Timothy M. Lessick
Manager of Public Programs
Global Solutions Pittsburgh