Refugees forced into slavery in Africa, people fighting over man-proclaimed city lines in the Middle East, extrajudicial killings in Asia, abuse & sexual violence in the Americas, racism & intolerance in Europe & the list goes on.
In 2017, humans may be smarter and more connected than ever before, but yet somehow human rights violations are occurring as frequently as they did in the past.
We humans and governments continue to find ways to mistreat one another in hideous, archaic ways and according to Human Rights Watch, more needs to be done to oppose “those who want to turn back the clock on human rights”.
À l'occasion de la #JournéedesDroitsdelhomme le 10 décembre, 24 bâtiments à travers le monde illuminés en bleu https://t.co/7iGTExoUQX @hrw pic.twitter.com/wLihWAWkYJ
— HRW en français (@hrw_fr) December 9, 2017
Speaking on Human Rights Days yesterday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Kenneth Roth, said right now is a “crucial time” to shine a light of “universal principles and values of the human rights movement”.
“When basic freedoms are under threat, this global expression of solidarity is an act of defiance, a call to action to oppose those who want to turn back the clock on human rights.”
Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch Executive Director
Some 24 countries around the world agreed with Roth yesterday and showed their support for nondiscrimination, human dignity and justice for all by switching a blue light on their iconic sites.
https://twitter.com/PearsonElaine/status/939834889884418048
Among the sites was Australia’s very own Sydney Opera House, New York’s Empire State Building Lebanon’s National Museum of Beirut, Canada’s BC Place and more.
Human Rights Watch hopes the blue light sites will inspire people to research and support freedom for all and work together to end violations worldwide.
“Illuminating these iconic buildings embodies how the human rights movement shines a spotlight of shame on human rights violations wherever they occur.”
Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch Executive Director
“The lighted buildings are beacons of hope for people around the world who are fighting for their rights.”
Here are just a few violations occurring today:
Palestine
The ongoing man-made divide between Palestine and Israel continues to deny the Palestinian people of security and freedom of movement.
Over the recent weekend, US President Donald Trump renewed violence between Israel and Palestine after declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, ignoring the religious and independent importance the city has on Palestinians.
Myanmar
Myanmar’s mistreatment of the ethnic group called Rohingya, has left thousands of people displaced. In many cases, man of this religious group have been murdered in front of their families, women sexually assaulted and children tortured.
Libya
The African country was recently condemned by the UN for the kidnapping and forced slavery of refugees. Footage released online showed Libya taking part in human trafficking and auctioning young men off at public markets.
Click here to read about more of the atrocities around the world.
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