December is the Universal Month for Human Rights

In 1948 with the memory of World War II still fresh, the United Nations crafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The very first article states: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. The document goes on to define what human rights should be respected and protected universally, as well as emphasizing how important it is to do so. 

One of the most important things you can do throughout the course of this month – and beyond into next year – is to find common ground with the people around you. Human Rights Month is about acknowledging that people of different cultures and creeds are still people. We must be careful of differentiating ourselves from our fellow humans so much that we forget this core truth. Take the time to learn about another culture that is different from yours. If that culture makes you nervous, so much the better. The Dignity & Respect Campaign has some wonderful resources on how to go about this.

By learning about other people and standing up for their rights you encourage equality, justice, and freedom. These values are antithetical to human and labor trafficking. For more information about Universal Human Rights Month, International Human Rights Day, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights click the button above.

Forms of Abolition:
Empowerment

Forms of Slavery:
Domestic Servitude, Sex Trafficking, Forced Labor, Bonded Labor, Child Labor, Forced Marriage