HRD 07

It’s Human Rights Day for 2007. This is a world-wide observation for the beginning of a campaign that is sponsored by the United Nations and that I hope will make a difference. The event commemorates a declaration that is, essentially, as old as I am.

This theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.

Given the state of world peace, hunger, and justice, I have my doubts, but I hope that this year-long effort to promote awareness of human rights around the world has great effect. Here’s the link to the UN page.

Sorry I missed it

The Ploughshares Fund sponsored an initiative called the Peace Primary that recognized efforts by organizations to promote peace. The idea was that people could vote for any of 12 organizations, helping determine which would receive $100,000 to pursue its goals.