[The
Universal Declaration of Human Rights is] a common
standard of achievement for all peoples and all
nations, to the end that every individual and every
organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly
in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to
promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by
progressive measures, national and international, to
secure their universal and effective recognition and
observance, both among the peoples of Member States
themselves and among the peoples of territories under
their jurisdiction.
Introductory paragraph of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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Human rights become a viable part of
human lives because of human rights defenders. The work
of these defenders extends far beyond their own
communities and often beyond national borders. It reaches
into shanty towns and refugee camps and into the highest
government offices and meeting rooms of international
decision-makers. Get more background information .
. .
Act Now:
Request and
Read
Study a survey of human
rights abuses and defenders around the world, or read
Nelson Mandela’s account of the struggle against
apartheid in South Africa.
Act Locally
Ask your city or state
Human Rights Commission to honor one or more human rights
defenders as a way of encouraging others to support human
rights work.
Act Nationally or Internationally
Encourage prompt adoption
of the United Nations Human Rights Defenders Declaration
by circulating this petition and asking friends and
colleagues to sign.
Grab a Partner
Monitor the struggles and
victories of human rights defenders and learn about
activist human rights organizations through the Human
Rights Internet.
Raise
Your Voice
Help Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti
regain his freedom after being jailed on charges of
accessory to treason while defending democracy and human
rights in Nigeria.
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