This month the DEIB Committee at CHE is taking the time to reflect on the essentials that bind every individual together— that each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are born, is entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms.
Universal Human Rights Month
December is usually a busy month with various holidays and end of the year activities, but it also marks the month-long observance of Universal Human Rights Month. This month the DEIB Committee at CHE is taking the time to reflect on the essentials that bind every individual together— that each one of us, no matter who we are or where we are born, is entitled to the same basic rights and freedoms.
Understanding and recognizing the importance of human rights moves us towards a world that values the well-being of all, including mental well-being. Mental health is also a basic human right, however, we see how people globally are unable to access basic standards of quality mental health care. This month can be a time to ensure all human rights, including mental health, are protected and accessible.
Why is it celebrated in December?
Universal Human Rights Month is observed every December, with December 10th 2023 marking the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
This document states “the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status” (UHDR).
Some tips on learning more about and acknowledging Universal Human Rights month this December:
- Read more on Universal Declaration of Human Rights through this SPIROU Magazine that illustrate the articles of the Universal Declaration in comic form
- If writing is your passion, you can write a letter to individuals around the globe whose human rights have been violated for Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign.
- Watch a TED talk touching about various Human Rights topics
- Start a conversation with your loved ones, colleagues, patients, and community members- this year’s Human Rights Month theme is: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All. In the midst of numerous challenges and conflicts in today's world, engaging in conversations with others serves as the initial step towards acknowledging and addressing these issues, while speaking openly about mental health issues that are related to these challenges.
Read more about the Key Messages of this year’s theme: 75th Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Key Messages
Learn more about CHE’s DEIB Committee - the DEIB Committee was founded with a mission to “create a culture of belonging by helping others embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion through learning opportunities, programs and initiatives”. This mission aligns closely with the principles of universal human rights, with a goal of acknowledging and respecting the diversity of individuals, ensuring equity in opportunities and treatment, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/udhr/documents/2022-11-16/UDHR75-Key-messages-EN.pdf
https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/write-for-rights/
