7 Ways to celebrate Human Rights Day

by m

Let's say you're reading this and it isn't 10 December (Human Rights Day). Does it truly matter? Resolve to do these wonderful things regardless, from YouTube playlists to the Amnesty International Write-a-thon.

We've an excellent holiday for you to celebrate: 10 December 2010 is Human Rights Day! 10 December 2010 marks the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations' adoptions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. [UDHR]. The first document of its kind, UDHR is a statement of all the rights to which all human beings are entitled. What an incredible thing! Here's Mookychick's seven tips for a bang-up celebration. And if you're a little late, or remarkably early, it doesn't really matter... does it? Isn't there as much to be said for having a Human Rights Week, Month, Century or Aeon?

After you've gathered some friends and family...

1. Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Do you know what your rights are? UDHR has been translated into at least 375 languages and dialects, but here's the official copy in English, and here's a copy in layman's terms.

2. Or, read a book. We Are All Born Free is a children's book featuring each of the thirty articles in UDHR simplified and explained so that small children can also understand their rights. The book also features beautiful and eclectic illustrations by a variety of artists. While it's considered a children's book, I think most adults would enjoy it very much, too.

3. Join Amnesty International's Write-a-thon. Write for Rights is the world's largest letter-writing campaign with a goal this year of 350, 000 letters. With tips, sample letters and group directories, AI makes it fun and easy to “shine a light on violence against women, discrimination, the forgotten prisoners and human rights defenders”!

4. Watch a film. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then films must be priceless! I recommend Burma VJ as an exceptional documentary. Composed largely of actual footage, it documents the 2007 Burmese monks, the influence of the monks, and why the movement failed. This film provides a comprehensive view of events in Burma over the past several decades – information especially relevant in light of the Burmese elections and liberation of Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi.

5. Listen to some songs. I will admit, while I can appreciate, and sometimes even enjoy, mellow, acoustic tunes, my musical tastes tend to lean towards Loud and Electronic. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to find that journalist David J. Gerstle had compiled a list of the “Top Badass War and Peace Songs of the Decade” – which humanrights.change.org has lovingly compiled into a Youtube playlist for our listening pleasure:

1. Jason Forrest, "War Photographer"

2. White Stripes, "Seven Nation Army"

3. Kanye West, "Jesus Walks"

4. Juliana Hatfield, "The End of War" [Not yet on YouTube]

5. Moby, "Study War"

6. Portishead, "Machine Gun"

7. Ben Harper, "Better Way (War Mix)"

8. Thom Yorke, "Atoms for Peace"

9. Yo La Tengo, "Nuclear War (Version 2)"

10. GZA (of Wu-Tang), "On the Eve of War (Julio Caesar Chavez Mix)"

6. Check out the Noble Peace Prize Award Ceremony. In accordance of the last will and testament of Alfred Noble, the Peace Prize is awarded each year to “"the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". This year Mr. Liu Xiaobo is being awarded the prize in honor of his long-term work for human rights within China. You can watch a live webcast from Oslo, Norway on 10 December at 4:30 pm Central European Time at nobelprize.org

7. Now that you're full of fiery inspirations and passion, get out and help people within your community. I don't think this needs much explanation. People lack some of the most basic human rights – the rights to food and medicine – not only in countries run by dictators, but in our own countries, our own hometowns, even. It's sometimes more difficult to be concerned about the people we see everyday, or have quiet miseries instead of dramatic tragedies, but it's just as important.

Happy Human Rights Day, everyone!

P.S. Get more history, facts and ideas from www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2010

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