 |
| Breathe in Peace Print by The Love Shop. Find it on Etsy. |
Welcome to Week 2 of Human Rights Meditations. Every week we're exploring an Article in the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Discover more about the series here.
This week we're examining Article 2 of the UDHR.
Article 2: All individuals possess the complete array of rights and liberties outlined within this Declaration, irrespective of any category, including race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other viewpoint, national or social background, property, birth or other circumstances. In addition, no differentiation shall be applied depending on the political, jurisdictional or international standing of the nation or area with which an individual is connected, whether it remain independent, under trusteeship, self-determining or subject to any other constraint of sovereignty.
Study the article below multiple times and permit it to take hold (this is an extensive piece, so you may wish to divide it as you contemplate). Whilst reflecting on the Article, examine the following:
- What image entered your consciousness first? How did you react to the content you encountered?
- Think about your feelings regarding yourself relative to those around you.
- Consider how you view the individuals in your community.
- Think about your comprehension of international concerns.
Record the piece and position it somewhere visible so you'll encounter it regularly throughout the week. This will encourage you to continue your reflection! You could also jot down something that resonated with you during this meditation.
Now, let's converse! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the articles, what you're discovering about yourself and the steps you're taking to align with the Declaration. Remember, alongside commenting below, you're welcome to join the discussion on twitter using: #hrmlak
My thoughts:
Kate xx
PS: Heartfelt gratitude to The Love Shop for contributing to this series through their artwork. Stay tuned for more creations from talented independent artists!
Now, let's converse! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the articles, what you're discovering about yourself and the steps you're taking to align with the Declaration. Remember, alongside commenting below, you're welcome to join the discussion on twitter using: #hrmlak
My thoughts:
- In my work as a social worker, I've had several roles involving involuntary clients, meaning those mandated by law to participate either following a court decision (such as substance abuse counselling, electronic monitoring) or under care obligations (such as children in state guardianship, psychiatric admission for protective reasons). This Article prompts me to reflect on how I can respect my client's entitlements whilst operating within the constraints of my role. It's reinforced how vital it is to adopt a "rights" perspective when approaching a fresh case.
- "... all the rights and freedoms..." that phrase really has me considering how we rationalise restricting one right by pointing to all the ones we've recognised! Take Asylum Seekers: certain entitlements receive protection, whilst others plainly don't, yet we manage to justify this by saying they "failed to follow proper procedures" and "they aren't residents". Hmph.
Kate xx
PS: Heartfelt gratitude to The Love Shop for contributing to this series through their artwork. Stay tuned for more creations from talented independent artists!
