National Human Rights Day

I like to believe that we as a people all have rights, wouldn't you?

Yeah, we certainly do have rights, I just don't think that the concept of those rights are treated equally for ALL people. We've come a long way, over the valley and through the storms; but we still have a ways to go!

On Friday, December 10th this year the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, along with the Charleston, Wheeling and Beckley Human Rights Commissions, are jointly raising awareness for National Human Rights Day. Help us spread the word!

National Human Rights Day is a day to remember and to promote the great freedoms that we have which were adopted On December 10, 1948, whereby the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

On February 16, 1946, facing the incredible violations of human rights which victims of World War II suffered, the United Nations established a Human Rights Commission, with Eleanor Roosevelt as one of its members. Eleanor Roosevelt had been appointed a delegate to the United Nations by President Harry S Truman after the death of her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Lady Eleanor Roosevelt worked on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, writing parts of its text, helping to keep the language direct and clear and focused on human dignity. She also spent many days lobbying American and international leaders, both arguing against opponents and trying to fire up the enthusiasm among those more friendly to the ideas. She described her approach to the project this way: "I drive hard and when I get home I will be tired! The men on the Commission will be also!"

Spread the Word: Friday, December 10 is "National Human Rights Day".
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