International Human Rights Day

Today, the 10th of December 2008, is the 60th Anniversary International Human Rights Day and the International Soroptimist Day.

The United Nations General Assembly first adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10th December 1948. In a post-war world scarred by the Holocaust, divided by colonialism and wracked by inequality, a charter setting out the first global and solemn commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of colour, creed or origin. This was a bold and daring undertaking, that Soroptimists always have underlined. 

In 1950 the 10th of December was established as the official commemoration date, and since then, nations and organisations have celebrated the International Human Rights Day around the world. Soroptimist International first designated 10th December as its International Day in 1956, 52 years ago. 

In 1981, SI President Catharine Salt decided to use this important occasion for an International President’s Appeal Day and asked Soroptimists to make a personal sacrifice so that the money could be given to a worthy cause. Today, our members and clubs still are encouraged to raise money for the SI President’s Project. In 2007 Soroptimist International supported the project of the fistula clinic of Dr. Hamlin in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This year, SI President Margaret Lobo decided to continue this President’s Appeal to provide much needed support to the women and girls of Desta Mender Village at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. 

With our support we will help those women with fistulas who cannot be completely cured and need ongoing medical care. And we encourage independence and improve the morale and self-esteem of the permanent residents of the Fistula Hospital through the self-help rural village Desta Mender.

Our appeal ‘restoring dignity – Securing a future’ and the UN theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforce the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values - inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality - apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.

Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says that “It is our duty to ensure that these Human Rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them”.

Dear Soroptimists make sure WE respect dignity and equality for everyone by being an

example in our environment.

Mariet Verhoef-Cohen

SI/E President