12.10.2008

The enduring significance and struggle for rights

Sixty years ago today, representatives from around the world gathered to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They declared that recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings--regardless of " race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status"--was the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

Sixty years later, seekers of social justice still hold fast to the enduring significance of this vision. And we still struggle to make it a reality in our world.

At FCNL, this is the work we do every day. From calling upon Congresspersons to incorporate humanitarian and conflict prevention funds into the appropriations bills, to asking Congress to honor the contract between the US government and the indigenous peoples of the United States, to working on ending war, stopping torture, banning cluster bombs and nuclear weapons, and ending racism and xenophobia, our work is grounded in the fundamental belief in human rights.

A month ago the people of the United States proved they wanted change in this country. Today, the UN began a year long campaign to help people around the world learn about their human rights.

Now is the moment to shape the change you wish to see in the world.


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