ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE BORN FREE AND EQUAL IN DIGNITY AND RIGHTS.
While some dictionaries define the word right as “a privilege,” when used in the context of “human rights,” we are talking about something more basic. Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights, simply by the fact of being human. These are called “human rights,” rather than a privilege, which can be taken away at someone’s whim. Every person is entitled to certain rights—simply by the fact that they are a human being.
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EDUCATORS DIGITAL ESSENTIALS
CHAMPIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi campaigned with nonviolent resistance, leading to the independence of India.
Eleanor Roosevelt
American politician, diplomat and activist as well as the longest-serving First Lady of the United States
César Chávez
He was recognized with the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Nelson Mandela
Viewed as one of the most recognizable human rights symbols of the twentieth century.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
King's main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the U.S.
Desmond Tutu
Known as the voice of the voiceless Black South Africans.
Oscar Arias Sánchez
Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end the Central American crisis.
Muhammad Yunus
Yunus’ life is motivated by his vision of a world without poverty.
José Ramos-Horta
Spent most of his adult life fighting for freedom from oppression for his homeland.
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