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Celebrate Human Rights at Home and Abroad

by Neighborhood-Kids.com12/10/2009 9:23:39 AM

Eleanor Roosevelt and United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish text.
Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library

Across the world today, December 10, 2009, Human Rights Day is celebrated in commemoration of the day that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to promote an international "common standard of achievement of all people and all nations." Although this type of language might be hard for children to grasp, the basic ideals of respect and freedom for everyone is easy for all to understand.

Just five days later, December 15th celebrates the ratification of the United States' own Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which ensures various protections for the rights of citizens, such as freedom of speech and the right to a trial by jury.

If you'd like to share the history and significance of these documents with your family, here are a few ideas for celebrating the freedoms we enjoy in this country and promoting human rights for others around the world.

Whatcom Human Rights Task Force Event

Families with older children and teens might be interested in checking out a Whatcom Human Rights Task Force event at the Community Food Co-op Connections Building (1220 N. Forest Street, Bellingham) at 7:30 PM on December 10, 2009. Keynote speaker, Dr. Babafemi Akinrinade, Assistant Professor of Human Rights at Fairhaven College at WWU, will speak on the topic "Universal Human Rights: Promises and Challenges." Refreshments will be served, and Amnesty International Group 270 will provide materials for a write-a-thon/holiday card action as well.

Brush Up on History with Some Books

What better way to share some American and world history with your kids than by learning about the situations that prompted the need for these documents?

We Are All Born Free cover.

Kathleen Krull's book for readers age 4 to 8, A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights: Curfews, Censorship, and the 100-Pound Giant, looks at both the historical context in which the Bill of Rights was written and why so much controversy still surrounds the first ten amendments.

In 2008, Amnesty International published an illustrated book for elementary readers called We Are All Born Free, which couples the 30 articles in the Declaration with an illustration by an internationally renowned artist.

Teens and grown-ups might enjoy reading Mary Ann Glendon's book, A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which uses diaries and letters to follow the former First Lady's journey to help create the world’s first international bill of rights.

Start a Discussion

Now is the perfect time to begin a dialogue with your children about enjoying freedom goes hand in hand with respecting laws (or household rules) that are meant to keep us safe. Talk about how your family can work together to promote tolerance for all hat you encounter, from neighbors to strangers on the bus, to citizens of other countries.

What are you ideas for celebrating Human Rights Day and Bill of Rights Day with your kids? Leave a comment below!