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MichaelMcEwan

Human Rights Day






We’ve all got one thing in common , our human rights, however in today’s society sadly some rights are ignored. Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that people are entitled to ,regardless of their status or circumstances. The declaration was proclaimed by the United nations General Assembly in Paris on 10th December 1948, ­­­setting out for the first time fundamental human rights to be universally protected. 


From this day it’s been observed annually, a day of reflection and action on our human rights, an opportunity for people worldwide to reflect on the progress made to action to address ongoing right challenges. This could be through education and awareness raising campaigns the day help to strengthen the resolve of individuals and institutions to protect of human rights. Everyone is entitled to as human rights being regardless of race, colour, religion , sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, birth or other status. 


The declaration holds the Guinness world records as the most translated document available in more than 500 languages, still too many people are unaware of their most basic human rights, these tools for life can empower individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow. Every year there's a theme, this year it is Our Rights,Our Future, Right Now. This day is to focus on how human rights are a way to solutions playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transform fore for good, many years have passed since 1948,the world should have evolved, but poverty is still a massive issue, with average 1 person in 10 will access a food bank by the end of 2025.


 The Trussell Trust has 43 foodbanks in Scotland and distribute emergency food parcels to over 144 more venues, between 1st April 2023 and March 2024 these food banks distributed 262,400 food parcels to people across Scotland. These figures represent a 21% increases on five years ago, it disappoints me that the government are doing nothing to eradicate this in today’s society.


Another rights issue is the disability employment gap, I’ve raised awareness and campaigned about this a lot in the past, many people with a disability would love to work but just not given the opportunity, however if we compare this to people with no disability in employment ,the gap is getting wider.The Office of National Statistics reported that in UK there are 53.6% people with a disability that is compared with 82.5% with non disability people in employment. It's just not right and unfair, I wish employers would look past the disability, look at the person and what they can bring to the job.


Disability is just a label , we are all one, we hear stories every day from people who would like to work, I’ll keep campaigning on this human right to work .My own experience of employment is that it has helped me to meet new people and be more confident, I realise that there are some people who aren’t able to work due to their disability


There are a lot of disability organisations up and down the country doing great work on employment coaching and support. I’d like to encourage employers to take something away from this in to look at the person not the disability. My job as a freelance journalist and advocate gives me the platform to raise awareness of different issues in today’s society.        

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