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| Children of the Season Photograph by Maximonstertje. Get it on etsy. |
Welcome to Week 3 of Human Rights Meditations. Each week we're examining an Article from the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Find out more about the series here. This series focuses less on my perspective and reflections, and more on your views! Join the discussion in the comments section or on twitter (hash tag #hrmlak).
Today we're examining Article 3 from the UDHR:
Article 3: All persons possess the right to existence, freedom and personal safety.
Spend time reviewing this article and allow it to resonate. Whilst contemplating, think about these questions:
· What image entered your thoughts first?
· What was your reaction to the content?
· Consider your self-perception relative to those around you.
· Think about your perspective on those in your community.
· Consider your views on international concerns.
Jot down your thoughts and position it where you'll encounter it regularly through the week. This encourages you to sustain your reflection! Or alternatively, note down something meaningful you've noticed during this practice.
Come on, let's have a conversation! We'd love to hear your views on each piece, what you're discovering about yourselves and the steps you're taking to align more closely with the Declaration. Remember, you can join in through comments below, or connect on twitter using this hashtag: #hrmlak
I'll start things off:
My opening image focused on American freedom. The idea of a "bill of rights" is somewhat unfamiliar to me, since Australia doesn't have one, though it's something I encounter regularly in American journalism. From my perspective as an observer, rights appear to be discussed more broadly in American society than in ours, yet they seem centred on "my rights"— whenever I see it mentioned in American media, it feels like people emphasise their own entitlements, rather than giving equal weight to the rights of others (for instance, the right to carry firearms versus the right to personal safety). This made me think about how we balance recognising our individual rights whilst keeping the wider perspective and recognising what we owe to society.
In an Australian context, my thoughts turn to something we discussed frequently during my studies— the question of the "worthy and unworthy poor". It's about how society judges who merits government support and who shouldn't receive it. Often people are prepared to support children through welfare, yet won't extend the same kindness to those with criminal records or substance abuse issues.
How would you characterise "life", "liberty" and "security of person"?
Kate xx
PS A heartfelt shout-out to Danny from Maximonstertje for backing this series and sharing this stunning photograph. Explore additional examples of her creations here.
PS A heartfelt shout-out to Danny from Maximonstertje for backing this series and sharing this stunning photograph. Explore additional examples of her creations here.
