Human Rights Day: 10 ways to make a difference

Do something to make a difference this Human Rights Day

On December 10, the United Nations celebrates Human Rights Day together with the rest of the world.

This special day was proclaimed in 1950 by the UN General Assembly. Its goal is to make people aware of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its meaning and its purpose.

As UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson said at the Vienna +20 Conference in June 2013, "Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.”

You can make a difference — start by checking out this list of 10 things you can do in honor of Human Rights Day.

1. Know your rights.

Learning your rights is the first step that you can take towards making a difference. When you are well-informed, you'll be able to really practice these rights and fight for them.

Get acquainted with your human rights on UN.org.

2. Spread the word.

Knowing your rights is one thing, but helping others become aware of theirs is a totally different thing altogether.

Many people know that there are basic human rights but are unaware of what these rights actually are. Educating others is a great way to empower them.

3. Get your kids involved.

While they are young, teach your children about human rights so that they can grow up knowing them and practicing them, too.

For ideas on how to do so, check out this list on World Moms Blog, prepared by human rights lawyer and mother of 3, Jennifer Presthodlt.

4. Join contests and events to raise awareness.

The Commission on Human Rights, as well as other agencies and organizations in the country, regularly hold contests, events and activities that help promote human rights.

5. Volunteer.

Volunteers are always welcome (and needed!) at LGUs and non-profit organizations.

For ideas on how to volunteer, you can check out the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines website — they have programs that need support, as do the different NGOs and local human rights groups in the country.

6. Donate.

Funds are as important as volunteer work when it comes to NGOs and advocacy groups. Donating is a practical way to help advance human rights.

If you have the means to do so, you can even make online donations to organizations like Karapatan.org. Their site provides specific information about where your donations will go.

7. Sign a petition.

Human Rights Online Philippines is an online resource that aims to promote and protect human rights.

You can help them do so by just going to their site's petition page, where relevant causes can be brought to the public’s attention, and support can be enlisted.

Sign a petition for a cause that you believe in, and share it with your family and friends.

8. Report any violation of human rights.

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates has a form on their website that can be filled up and submitted for efficient and effective reporting and monitoring of violations.

They also have a mobile hotline number, 0928-713-1519, for text messages and calls.

9. Uphold human rights online and on social media.

The digital age has brought about new challenges in human rights preservation. Issues like digital surveillance, legal threats against bloggers and activists, and even cyber-bullying are real and are happening today.

Netizens can do their part in upholding human rights online by writing and posting about these issues to spread awareness. You can also participate in events like the upcoming Global Voices Citizen Media Summit.

10. Commit to respecting others’ rights.

Even the smallest of efforts, when done together by many, can make a huge difference. Respect for human rights begins with each individual person.

When you decide to say no to discrimination, commit to respecting others’ rights, push for freedom, and fight for equality in whatever way you can, you're already making a difference in your own little way.

Human Rights Day: 10 ways to make a difference

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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