A blog post by Forest Whitaker on Human Rights Day 2022
We are just a year away from the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document drafted by an international community made up of diverse cultures, from every corner of the globe, consecrating our individual “basic rights and fundamental freedoms.” How far have we come since those words were written into history as the ideal on which our democratic societies are based? In some parts of the world, human beings are enjoying unrivaled freedoms, relishing in the technological revolution, reaping the benefits of modernity, globalization and interconnectedness. In other parts of the world, people are suffering, as the third world gets left behind. Violence, conflict, and inequality are on the rise, environmental catastrophe seems just around the corner, and this has given rise to new forms of extremism, as bad faith actors seek scapegoats for the worsening social situation in which they find themselves and their communities.
This global imbalance means that talking about human rights has never been more important. How can we forget the essence of what it is to be human? At the most basic level, human interaction is something that fosters respect, resilience, community cohesion, and peace. The conflicts around the globe today have led to 89.3 million people worldwide being forcibly displaced, according to the UNHCR. How can this be? After the total destruction of the great world wars of the 20th century, we said ‘never again.’ But it appears that there is something intrinsic in the human psyche that leads us to conflict. What we need to encourage is the peaceful resolution of this natural phenomenon, making sure that disputes do not lead to violence, and that individuals and communities are heard and treated with dignity and respect.
83% of the global displaced population can be found in low- to middle-income countries, which highlights how a lack of peace has direct socioeconomic consequences for individuals. It is up to us, and our leaders, to reinforce our duty as fellow human beings to find solutions that prioritize the respect and understanding of the human rights of people who suffer. Collective responsibility is key. Education is crucial.
“Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.” These are the doctrines of Human Rights Day 2022, but how is it possible to fight for these ideals in places where they seem not to matter? Education. Education is our most effective means to engender positive change around the globe. We need to make sure that educational institutions, schools, universities, governments, and associations are united in their resolution to teach the importance of human rights. As individuals, we are also responsible. The future of humanity depends on the power of us as individuals to be the best we can be, and do our utmost to effect positive change in spite of whatever powerlessness we may sometimes feel.