Welcome to Week 7 of Human Rights Meditations. Each week we're examining an Article from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Find out more about the series here. This series is far more centred on the time you dedicate to reflecting and participating in the discussion through comments below & twitter (hash tag #hrmlak) than on my own views.
This week we're examining Article 7 of the UDHR.
Article 7: Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and entitled without exception to equal legal safeguards. Everyone is entitled to equal safeguards against any discrimination in breach of this Declaration and against any promotion of such discrimination.
Go through the piece below several times and allow it to settle (given its length, you might prefer to spread this out during your contemplation). Whilst you contemplate, think about these points:
· What mental image emerged initially?
· What was your reaction to the material?
· Consider how you perceive yourself relative to those around you.
· Consider the way you view the people around you.
· Consider your perspective on matters affecting the world.
Jot down the piece and place it somewhere visible so you'll notice it during the week. This will encourage you to sustain that reflection! Or, note down something that resonated with you during this meditation.
Time to start the conversation! Let's discuss what we think about each piece, what we're discovering about ourselves and the steps we're taking to align ourselves more closely with the Declaration. Remember that you can also join the discussion on twitter using this hashtag: #hrmlak
Let me start:
- I'm considering the civil rights movement, freedom marches across America and voting rights (women and Indigenous Australians didn't initially have voting rights in our constitution... these were granted through later legislative amendments)
- This raises questions about how contemporary legislation in many developed nations continues to contain discriminatory elements. In Australia, the Marriage Act exemplifies this issue. We also see discrimination emerge through court proceedings where assault victims face scrutiny based on their appearance, Indigenous land claims, and the disproportionately high incarceration rates of Indigenous young people relative to the broader youth demographic.
Kate xx
PS... No image today... I neglected to arrange one for this entry... My mistake!
PS... No image today... I neglected to arrange one for this entry... My mistake!
