As you bustle around in December, pause a moment to mark Human Rights Day on Saturday, December 10. Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, after two world wars had devastated the globe.
Consider these words from the declaration, which assert that diversity and human rights are inextricably linked: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood [and sisterhood] … Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (https://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/#atop).
At MCC, the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project seeks to “[transform] individuals to become advocates for human rights” through student leadership and planning of programs such as the Kristallnacht and Yom HaShoah commemorations, the Voices of Vigilance program, and the Walk/Run for Water. For more information about the Project, virtually visit https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/holocaust/programs.htm, physically visit the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Center collection of books and videos in the LeRoy V. Good Library, Brighton campus (Bldg. 2, 3rd floor – check out a key at the service desk on the main floor), or subscribe to the Project’s Memorandum Newsletter at https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/holocaust/newsletter_form.htm. In the meantime, remember Human Rights Day and enjoy your December break!
This is part of a monthly series of articles from the Diversity Council about topics related to diversity and multiculturalism.
Debbie Mohr
MCC Diversity Council (ETS: Libraries)
12/06/2011 |