The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948. It represents the universal recognition that basic rights and fundamental freedoms are inherent to all human beings, inalienable and equally applicable to everyone, and that every one of us is born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The community is invited to come to the Eastdale Village Community Church, 1403 Tunnel Blvd, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, to celebrate International Human Rights Day 2016 ---- Stand Up For Someone's Rights Today.
These rights are internationally recognized and accepted norms and values which promote dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all people. It is a commitment to upholding dignity and justice for all - no matter the gender, nationality, race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status.
The 26 articles and its preamble frame the foundation and principle that all human beings have human rights that are interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. The UDHR defines how people should and should not act as they promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups. It states a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge. The declaration includes the right to decent housing, education, from gender, racial and other forms of discrimination, to have free thought and speech, to vote, to be free from violence, to have equal access to public service, and to have fair working conditions.
International Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 10 to commemorate the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. It is generally agreed to be the foundation of all human rights law.
Eleanor Roosevelt, the committee chair, noted that human rights “is the world of the individual person” the neighborhoods and communities where we live and we all have a role to play. She also said, “Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."
This year in Chattanooga officials said participants will come together to reflect on the UDHR, its meaning, the state of human rights in the city and join forces with other groups to commit to creating an even better future for Chattanooga and the state. It is a time to cultivate an environment of understanding, respect and equality of rights for the diverse cultural populations of Chattanooga. This is a time to encourage understanding and goodwill, promote justice, and work toward eliminating discriminatory practices, said officials. The theme in Chattanooga is “Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today”.