How else can it be said? The fight for Human Rights isn't a mere struggle. It is a war. Who are the warring factions? The participants include:
- Individuals
- Governments
- Ideologies
- Religions
What is the context of this war?
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as General Assembly resolution 217 A.
To me, that document became more meaningful and powerful than all the other laws and regulations for which I had come to know. It is more profoundly correct than any religion, and in my belief, it should supersede any government doctrine that fails to uphold it ultimately.
The reason for this is simple. The UDHR ensures all people everywhere have the same human rights. People and their governments may undermine them, though human rights persist in living people no matter what.
The U.S. Constitution says they are inalienable; however, the American Political System has failed throughout history to protect all people as being equal. For that, there are no excuses.
The first step forward is to understand what behavior and actions by people undermine and deny human rights. In today's modern examples, there is widespread voter suppression. There are attempts to deny people the freedom of movement, as in the case of immigration. There is economic inequality that is the capitalist system that does not ensure economic sustainability for all people. These subjects are difficult for ordinary people to understand, mainly because they are not educated to attend to their responsibilities.
Learning is life-long and becomes more difficult as people age. Sustainable governments that ensure human rights must be adaptable and grow to meet continuously changing needs. That requires people to engage their democratic governments or else risk losing their freedom and protection.
Today, the world witnesses a colossal fight in Afghanistan. Taliban ideological and religious fighters have seized power to suppress Human Rights. Afghanistan is one of many like-kind groups that repress Human Rights based on religious beliefs. It is not unlike radical Christians seeking to do the same in the United States. The heart of the issue is the standard for human rights. In most instances, religions and governments have failed the test to varying degrees.
Women and minorities serve as visible examples of people who are victims of human rights abuses. They experience inequality and are denied individual rights.
The most significant potential force against global oppression is the organization of women. They are central to changing the tide by exerting social, political, and economic force against the principal obstructionists.
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