Universal Human Rights Month
By Elle Ryan, Resident in Counseling
“Human rights are about people. They are about you and your life: your needs and wants and fears; your hopes for the present and the future,” said UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, to mark Human Rights Day 2024.
December is recognized as Universal Human Rights Month, celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion. This month recognizes the anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.
We all have seen our fair share of cruelty and hate, and there is room to improve every human’s right for equality regardless of gender, age, race, political affiliation or sexual identity. Human Rights Month gives us with a time to reflect on the way we treat others and advocate for social equality and justice. Furthermore, human rights are not considered abstract ideas, rather they offer concrete norms, laws, and a vital framework to protect against abuse, violations, and exploitation. The ultimate goal is that everyone will live in a world where they are treated with dignity and respect.
National Today notes ways we can observe Universal Human Rights Month:
● Talk to friends and family about difficult topics like discrimination and economic inequality. We need to be able to have
conversations about social problems in order to find solutions.
● Learn about the Bill of Rights and what Freedom means to us. Honor the work of those who helped fight for our freedoms, such as activists for civil rights, universal suffrage, and abolition of slavery.
● Volunteer for organizations that work to support and spread awareness of human rights, such as Amnesty International or our local non-profits, which include United Way of Southwest Virginia, NRV Abortion Access Funds, Community Pride in Blacksburg, Women’s Resource Center, and many more.
● Recognize the importance of giving back locally. Stand up for those who are marginalized and help those who are hurting in your own community. Upholding and recognizing human rights are not only about addressing present injustices, its goal is to drive significant social change in reshaping society and empowering marginalized groups.
If there is a need in our community that we can fill, then we want to get involved. Counseling Connect is active in community service and always open to new social justice projects to promote positive change. You can reach out to one of our therapists at www.counseling-connect.com.
References:
https://nicoletcollege.libguides.com/DEI/UniversalHumanRights
https://nationaltoday.com/universal-human-rights-
month/#:~:text=Universal%20Human%20Rights%20Month%20%E2%80%93%20December%202024&t
ext=We%20have%20seen%20our%20share%20of%20cruelty%20and%20hate.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2024/11/human-rights-day-2024-our-rights-our-future-right-now