Ndigo Naka.

In the Territory of the Virgin Islands, there is a wind of change blowing. The recent change in political leadership has shifted gears to a higher level of expectation for better governance. But is it realistic to expect 13 persons, elected to the House of Assembly to do all that is necessary to bring about good governance, all by themselves? No! Change must begin on the personal and individual level; the turning over of a new leaf in mental attitude, so to speak.

It is with this in mind that Related by Humanity has undertaken the task of public education on Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 after 12 nations got together to decide how human rights abuses can be restricted universally.

Human rights abuses are widespread during civil wars, domestic conflicts, International terrorism and such. But they are also common in families, in the workplace and on every level where people’s rights are not respected. Human rights abuses take place in the open, as well as behind closed doors.

During the 60th anniversary of the UDHR in 2008 Related by Humanity was conceived locally with a vision that as there were no specific organs in the Territory at the time that focused on human rights education and awareness, there was a need for such an organization and from there, it has been an uphill struggle to establish a foundation on which to build a more socially competent citizenry.

It was felt at the time, and still holds true, that change has to start with a will and a vision to assume responsibility and commitment to change oneself through consciousness of personal rights and freedom, and respect for the rights and freedom of others.

Blogging is a privilege that those who are inclined to participate can enjoy in privacy. Privacy is one of the Human Rights (Right #12) outlined in the list of 30 in the UDHR document. But this right also comes with a responsibility. You can choose to spread hate, or you can choose to share positive helpful information that others can benefit from. Ask yourself before you make your choice: What benefit can hatred bring?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights came into being because of the fact that hatred and violence among nations, races, tribes, and people with varying differences (like a difference of opinion) should not be tolerated. The Right to Freedom of Expression (Right #19) allows persons to freely think what they wish to think, and say what they think, and share ideas with others. But it does not give you the right to invade another person’s right to Privacy. The good thing about human rights is that we all have the same rights. That makes us equal, and so any concept of someone being better than someone else is as false and fake as some hair and nails that are passing for the real thing.

Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt led the Commission in drafting the UDHR, and in answer to the question of where will teaching Human Rights begin, she replied: “In small places, close to home, so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps…yet they are the world of the individual person, the neighborhood he lives in, the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Human Rights Day will be celebrated on Saturday, December 10, and Related by Humanity is facilitating a Multicultural, All-inclusive Youth Symposium at the Purcell Community Center.

A highlight of this event is the Safety Awareness Scooter Show (not a race). All are welcome to attend and learn more about Human Rights, and how knowing your rights and respecting the rights of others can help to make our community, our world a better, safer place.

For more information and to offer support or sponsorship, please email rbyhumanity@hotmail.com.