“As individuals, we have the power to contribute to the fight for human rights”
By: Johanna Elattar
December is Universal Human Rights Month, an annual opportunity to reflect on the principles of dignity, freedom, and equality that should belong to every individual. In 2024, the world continues to witness both progress in advancing these ideals and troubling setbacks that remind us how much work remains.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted on December 10, 1948, by the United Nations, established 30 articles affirming fundamental human rights. It became the first global expression of rights to which all humans are entitled, covering freedoms such as speech, religion, and protection from torture. Its adoption followed the atrocities of World War II, symbolizing a commitment to preventing such horrors in the future.
Seventy-six years later, the UDHR remains a guiding document. Yet, systemic injustices and global conflicts expose the fragility of these ideals without sustained advocacy, robust legal frameworks, and international cooperation.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel has exacted a devastating toll. According to international observers, thousands of civilians, including women and children, have been killed in airstrikes. The destruction of hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure has left survivors with limited access to basic necessities like clean water and electricity. Reports of white phosphorus usage have raised questions about violations of international humanitarian law.
Amid this turmoil, stories of resilience emerge. Youssef, a Palestinian father, lost three of his children in a bombing. Despite his grief, he volunteers at a humanitarian aid center, distributing food and water to other survivors. “We have to fight hopelessness with compassion,” he says, embodying the spirit of human rights even in the direst circumstances.
Sudan remains engulfed in violence, particularly in Darfur, where ethnic-based attacks have forced hundreds of thousands to flee. The United Nations reports that over 4 million people have been displaced since the conflict reignited in 2023. Women and children bear the brunt of these atrocities, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence.
Amina, a 16-year-old girl, escaped her burning village with her younger brother. After weeks of hiding, they found refuge in a camp, where Amina now leads a group for orphaned children. She teaches them traditional songs and stories, preserving their shared heritage despite the chaos.
The plight of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang continues. Reports indicate that over a million Uyghurs have been detained in so-called “re-education camps.” Detainees are subjected to forced labor, surveillance, and cultural erasure. Activists have likened these practices to crimes against humanity.
Rahima, a poet and former detainee, smuggled out her verses after being released. Now living in exile, she writes about the resilience of her people. “Even if they erase our books, they cannot silence our voices,” she declares, using her art to advocate for international action.
While these global crises may feel distant, meaningful change often begins at the local level.
In Salt Lake City, Mayor Erin Mendenhall declared December 2024 as Human Rights Month. The city was recognized for its efforts to promote equity, scoring highly on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Local programs have included initiatives for homeless veterans, like James, who found both housing and purpose mentoring at-risk youth.
Similarly, in Oslo, Norway, a group of university students raised funds for scholarships for refugee children. Aliyah, a young Afghan refugee, is one of the program’s success stories. Now studying engineering, she hopes to use her education to rebuild her country someday.
As individuals, we have the power to contribute to the fight for human rights:
- Raise Awareness: Share real stories like those of Youssef, Amina, and Rahima to foster understanding and empathy.
- Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and local grassroots efforts provide crucial support and accountability.
- Volunteer Locally: Advocate for inclusive policies and support local initiatives that promote equality and dignity.
Universal Human Rights Month is a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the principles of the UDHR. Each voice and action matters in the fight for justice. By amplifying the stories of resilience, advocating for change, and taking steps in our communities, we can help turn the dream of universal human rights into reality.
As Rahima, the Uyghur poet, says, “Even in darkness, we carry the light of our humanity.” Let us commit to being that light for others this December and beyond.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY writer with strong international roots. She understands what “universal human rights” means to billions of people living on this planet. Johanna also enjoys writing about local community issues to feel free to email her anytime to talk globally, or locally: americangrrl70@gmail.com
