Human rights are the basic freedoms that all people are born with and which governments are obliged to protect. They are captured in a series of international laws and conventions as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Human rights are fundamental to a world built on freedom, justice and peace.
Safeguarding human rights is everyone’s responsibility – individuals, civil society organisations (NGOs), the media and international institutions. When we work together, we create the foundation for a world that respects the dignity and worth of every person. Human rights defenders often pay a high price for their efforts, whether in terms of their own lives or the lives of their families and communities.
Governments are responsible for protecting human rights, but they often fail. This is why it is so important that we all take action. There are many ways to promote human rights, from contacting your local representatives to attending peaceful protests. In the past, these actions have had a powerful impact and have led to major policy changes and regime changes around the world.
One of the most effective ways to support human rights is to donate money to NGOs that do this important work. However, please note that not all NGOs are created equal and you should always investigate charities before donating. You can also help by supporting laws and policies that promote equality and by educating yourself about human rights so you can be an informed citizen.
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