Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

27th November 2014

Human Rights Day, which takes place annually on 10th December, highlights global human rights issues and what we can do to make a difference. The theme this year is inclusion, and the human right to participate in public life.

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

27th November 2014

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

27th November 2014

The UN states that fulfilment of the right to participate is fundamental to the functioning of a democracy and an effective human rights protection system. Inclusion of all those who have been traditionally locked out of the process is an essential precondition to the achievement of both.

Here are five things you can do with your family to celebrate Human Rights Day:

1). Set out to discover more about someone who has promoted human rights, such as Nelson Mandela, Gandhi or Aung San Suu Kyi. Use the internet and your local library and get inspired by people changing the world for the better – then use their actions as a starting block for your own.

2). Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you’re aware of a breach of human rights, however small, in the workplace or in your community, take steps to do something about it.

3). Teach your children about basic human rights and talk about ways in which you can help people in different countries achieve the same rights as we have, such as writing to MPs and raising money and awareness through fun activities.

4). Join millions of others through the online global community of activists, Avaaz http://www.avaaz.org/en/. Since its inception in 2007, it has rapidly become a powerful and change-effecting movement. You can donate to support their important work but also signing their online petitions to fight for human and earth rights has far-reaching effects.

5). Reach out to others. Perhaps you have a neighbour or someone in your community who is not able to access the same public services as you because of mobility issues or a sense of loneliness. Why not help them get out? Even a trip to the shops or to a community meeting will really boost their morale and make them feel a part of the greater whole.

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