Join us in recognizing Human Rights Day on December 10th, the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This year’s theme is equality, as stated in Article 1 of the Declaration: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Human rights encompass “economic, social and cultural rights as well as the right to development and the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment” (United Nations).
2021 Theme: EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights
Human rights and freedom of expression:
Human rights also encompass freedom of expression. The Gustavus Library endorses the American Library Association’s statement on the Universal Right to Free Expression and its assertion that “freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government.” The ALA defines freedom of expression as encompassing the “freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and association, and the corollary right to receive information without interference and without compromising personal privacy.” In promoting human rights, the Library takes special responsibility for promoting freedom of expression and the right to access to information every day. Most recently, the Library endorsed the November 29 ALA statement opposing widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries.
More information:
- Human Rights (World Health Organization)
- Human Rights Day (United Nations)
- Issues in the News: Universal Human Rights Month (Access World News Special Report)
- Women Who Shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations)
- Minnesota Department of Human Rights
- City of St. Peter Human Rights Commission
Library Resources: Visit our Human Rights Day Book Display (these books can be checked out!) or Ask a Librarian for help identifying additional resources of interest.