Home > Justice & Peace > Other Augustinian Actions > Human Rights Day

Augustinians Support Human Rights Day

December 10, 2009

Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination is Theme

Human Rights Day 2009 is the 61st Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration was adopted December 10, 1948. Augustinians of the Midwest are encouraged to mark this anniversary in their communities and ministries. The Augustinians invite and encourage all who identify with Augustinian spirituality and traditions to do likewise.

Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination is 2009 Theme

Human Rights Day 2009 focuses on ending discrimination, under the theme Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination.

“Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressinghuman rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order,” said Navi Pillay, U. N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. ““Our main objective is to help promote discrimination-free societies and a world of equal treatment for all,” she said.

The High Commissioner encouraged people everywhere to join hands in celebration of Human Rights Day to speak out and act to advocate non-discrimination and raise awareness in their local communities.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted December 10, 1948 by the international community, has served as a beacon of hope. The Declaration has been translated into more than 360 languages. It holds the Guinness World Record for most translated document in the world.

“The extraordinary vision and determination of the drafters produced a document that for the first time set out universal human rights for all people in an individual context,” U. N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said.

Many countries have incorporated provisions of the Declaration into their Constitutions and laws. The principles of the Declaration form the basis of numerous actions taken by the nations of the world.

Likewise, the brave men and women who defend human rights in every country shine as a beacon of hope, casting the bright light of human rights into the darkest corners of tyranny and abuse. They work to safeguard the rule of law, to reduce violence, poverty and discrimination, and to build societies that are more free, more equitable and more just.

The Augustinian Order, through its observance of Human Rights Day, through its Non-Governmental Organization (N.G.O.) at the U. N., and through its ministries throughout the world, seeks to put into action the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, as found in the Bible and in the traditional social teaching of the Catholic Church.

Our Challenge

Noting that the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Declaration are still not a reality for everyone, Ban said that the document is as relevant today as it was when it was first adopted.

“Too often, Governments lack the political will to implement international norms they have willingly accepted,” Ban observed. “This anniversary year is an occasion to build up that will. It is a chance to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.

“May this year reinvigorate us in that mission. Let us make the Universal Declaration of Human Rights an integral part of everyone’s life,” Ban concluded.

The Augustinians of the Midwest encourage you to observe Human Rights Day by

• Becoming more aware of how basic human rights are being violated around the world,

• Lifting up in prayer those whose suffer from poverty and other human rights violations,

• Asking God to change the hearts of those in positions of power who do not respect the rights of others,

• Asking God to enlighten and guide us to respect and defend the rights of all human beings wherever they may be,

• Encouraging your local schools, your church and other organizations to provide education about poverty and human rights, and

• Supporting governmental actions and policies that promote human rights for a more just society.

“Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity. On this International Human Rights Day let us continue to work together to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights, to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations,” urged Kofi Annan, immediate past Secretary General of the U. N.

Prayer Service for Human Rights Day

       » See a suggested prayer service for Human Rights Day
             From the International Augustinian Secretariate for Justice and Peace

Additional Resources

       » Human Rights Day 2009 (Opens new window)
             Information from the High Commisisoner for Human Rights

       » The Human Face of Human Rights (Opens new window)
             True stories about human rights

       » Human Rights in Action (Opens new window)
             Information and resources from U.N. CyberSchoolBus

       » The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Opens new window)
             Adopted December 10, 1948 by the international community
                         (.pdf file - Adobe Reader required - Get Adobe Reader. (Opens new window)

       » The United Nations and Human Rights (Opens new window)
             How the U. N. works to protect human rights

       » U. N. Human Rights Research Guide (Opens new window)
             Where to find information and resources related to human rights

       » Millennium Development Goals (Opens new window)
             World leaders set eight goals to reduce extreme poverty

Other UN Days Reflect Christian Values

      » Augustinians Support International Days
             Seven U.N. Days reflect Catholic Christian values