December 10th is International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth human rights and fundamental freedoms for people all over the world, and has a specific impact on the lives of women, by holding their countries accountable for their treatment.

Why the Declaration is so important:

• The Declaration recognizes that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."
• It recognizes that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or status.
• It specifies that no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional, or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs.
• It places the UN in a position responsible for monitoring and holding countries accountable for violations of the Declaration.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is important because it protects and promotes individual rights.

How you can educate your campus on the importance of International Human Rights:

• Use this day as a chance to raise awareness about human rights issues.
• Host a screening of a film that addresses global human rights issues, such as Afghanistan Unveiled, which you can request by calling (toll free) 1-866-444-FMLA (3652) and speaking to the Global Team.
• Host a discussion on global women's rights issues such as human trafficking, sweatshop labor, human rights abuses, and female genital mutilation.
• Put up posters all over campus with facts about International Human Rights issues
  Resource sites: Amnesty International, FeministCampus Global, Human Rights Watch, Center for Reproductive Rights, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights