On December 10th, we join the global community in marking Human Rights Day, a day rooted in the fundamental principles of dignity, equality, and freedom for all. This annual observance reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold these values—principles woven into the very mission of OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, fostering understanding and compassion across spiritual boundaries.

Human Rights Day holds special significance for us, as OneSpirit was formed in the wake of the Holocaust, inspired by the resilience of communities worldwide as they began to heal from unimaginable human rights abuses. Our commitment to honouring all faiths and spiritual paths is our way of contributing to a world where everyone’s voice, belief, and personhood are respected. We recognize that affirming human rights isn’t only a global pursuit; it’s one we enact in small ways each day.

Reflective Words from Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, a key figure in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, once said, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home—so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood they live in; the school or college they attend; the factory, farm, or office where they work.”

Her words remind us that human rights are lived through our everyday actions. Each time we welcome someone into conversation, each time we embrace another’s story, we are enacting the spirit of human rights.

Take Action: Ways to Honour Human Rights Day

This Human Rights Day, here are some ways to honour and embody these values within our communities:

• Engage with Local Charities – Many charities work tirelessly for causes like social justice, mental health support, and refugee aid. Donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness can make a significant difference.
• Educate and Reflect – Share resources, books, or documentaries on human rights issues with your community or family. Discuss what rights mean to you and those around you, nurturing a shared sense of empathy and awareness.
• Amplify Voices – Support organisations and individuals who advocate for human rights. By sharing their messages and stories on social media or in conversation, we amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard.
• A Simple Practice of Kindness – In each interfaith conversation, classroom, or community interaction, seek to listen openly, honour differences, and make space for understanding. Human rights often start with kindness, respect, and empathy.

A Poem to Reflect

Consider this excerpt from Maya Angelou’s Human Family as a meditation on this day: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unlike.” As we hold Human Rights Day in our hearts, let us remember the truth in her words. The commitment to human rights is the recognition of our shared humanity, our collective struggles, and the profound beauty in our differences.

Human rights are not just laws or principles to admire from afar; they are ideals to embody, a daily commitment to honouring the worth of every individual.