Pray-Study-Act: Observe Human Rights Day, December 10

Pax Christi USA - PSA e-Bulletin

Pray-Study-Act: Observe Human Rights Day, December 10

In This Issue

PRAY: A Prayer for Human Rights

STUDY: Reflecting on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

ACT: Promoting Human Rights

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On The Web

Prayer to End Violence Against Women

A Prayer to Ban Torture

A Litany for Human Rights from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Read the Declaration and Open Letter Pax Christi International collaborated on regarding the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights

Participate in one of the UN-sponsored events happening to observe Human Rights Day 2012

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November 29, 2012

Greetings!

On December 10th, much of the world will observe the UN's International Day for Human Rights. Madeline Labriola, a member of Pax Christi International's UN delegation and a member of the NGO committee on human rights, has crafted this Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin with resources for observing this important day.

We hope that these resources will be helpful for you and your community to celebrate human rights. I also want to encourage you to check out the Pax Christi USA website on December 10th when we will post a special reflection on the International Day for Human Rights by Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU, taken from this year's Advent reflection booklet, Voices of Hope, Women of Wisdom.

In peace,

Johnny Zokovitch

Director of Communications, Pax Christi USA

PRAY: A Prayer for Human Rights

from the Education for Justice site

God of Justice,

You have given all of your children

human dignity and human rights.

Help us recognize the dignity and the rights

of all of human kind.

Open our hearts to hear your teachings,

open our eyes to the suffering

of those who are denied

their basic economic, social, political and social rights.

Let our voices join in declaring

all humanity is sacred, all human rights must be respected.

Amen.

STUDY: Reflecting on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

by Madeline Labriola

Pax Christi International NGO delegate to the UN

On December 10, 2012, the United Nations will observe the International Day for Human Rights celebrating the day 64 years ago when member nations of the newly formed United Nations signed into International Law the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was a struggle for the writers to include the many rights and privileges that we believe are part of the unalienable rights of every global citizen. Eleanor Roosevelt led the delegation in purpose and positive attitude to the final draft of the document. Here, in summary form, are the rights, which the United Nations guarantees to every person on the globe.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

All People...

Are born free and should all be treated in the same way. Are equal despite difference in race, sex, language, etc. Have the right to life and to live in freedom and safety.

Should be free from slavery. Should nor be subjected to torture. Have the right to be recognized before the law. Have the right to be treated equally before the law. Have the right to ask for legal help when their rights are not respected. Have the right to not be imprisoned unjustly...

Click here to read the entire reflection.

ACT: Promoting Human Rights

1. Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be inspired by the language and courage of the writers. Teach your children and grandchildren about this document.

2. If you are a teacher, use December 10th as a day to celebrate. Teach the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Choose one human right that you feel strongly about as a focal point.

3. In your local peace group choose the theme of human rights as part of your study section. The plight of our local indigenous people is especially timely. One exciting campaign involving human rights and the environment is occurring in the Ogondogen Nation in NY State. For more information, check out www.HonorTheTwoRow.org.

4. Use the prayer above or the ones included in the "On The Web" section as part of your opening and closing prayers for justice at your next Pax Christi meeting or other gathering.