People are more likely to enjoy their human rights if others respect them, so human rights are also about responsibility and duty. Individuals have a duty to protect the rights and freedoms of others; governments, in signing up to international agreements, have a legal obligation to do so too.
It takes a lot of work to create and maintain the laws and services that support human rights. And this work is only done if people know what human rights are and have the confidence to speak out when they see discrimination or injustice happening around them.
The work of human rights activists has made great progress – from the abolition of slavery and the vote for women to countries that have abolished the death penalty and freed prisoners of conscience. And while much of the world still struggles to live up to the standards set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, frontline grassroots activists continue to carry the torch for freedom, justice and peace.
There are many ways to promote human rights. A good place to start is by getting to know your local organisations that are active in this field, either by attending their events or contacting them directly. A good group will have strong leadership and a commitment to listening to the communities they serve. It’s also a great idea to join an organisation that campaigns on human rights issues that are important to you, and whose work you believe in.
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