 |
| Say Hello in Many Languages Giclee Print by Elise from Pieces of Elise. Find it on etsy. |
Greetings to Week 15 of Human Rights Meditations. Every week we're examining an Article in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Find out more about the series here. This series is really about your reflection time, and taking part in the discussion via comments below & twitter (hash tag #hrmlak) so start thinking!
This week we're examining Article 15 of the UDHR.
Article 15: (1) Every person possesses the right to citizenship. (2) No person shall be arbitrarily stripped of their citizenship or refused the right to alter their citizenship.
Study the article thoroughly several times and allow it to settle. As you contemplate, think about these points:
· What image initially entered your thoughts?
· What was your reaction to the material you encountered?
· Consider your perspective on yourself relative to those around you.
· Consider how you view the people and environment around you.
· Consider your awareness of worldwide concerns.
Jot down the piece and position it somewhere you'll notice it regularly throughout the week. This will encourage you to maintain your reflection! Or, jot down something that's caught your attention during this meditation.
Now, start the conversation! Let's discuss openly what we think about each piece, what we're discovering about ourselves and the steps we're taking to align more closely with the Declaration. Remember that alongside commenting below, you can join in via twitter using this hashtag: #hrmlak
Let me kick things off:
- Did you know Australia is among the rare nations with just one official language? Numerous countries, like Canada, Switzerland & Singapore, recognise multiple official languages. It's worth considering what this means. Whilst one factor behind this is the expense of publishing materials in several languages, in a place like Australia, where increasingly diverse languages are being spoken, that expenditure is worthwhile! When you exclude languages, you also disadvantage those who use them.
- I keep returning to this topic, but... let's revisit asylum seekers! Consider the situation. You're forced to flee your native country because of conflict, persecution and terror. You no longer fit there. Then, you navigate through numerous countries (and bureaucratic processes) until at last you receive a temporary protection visa in the nation willing to "take you in"... temporarily. You might or might not settle there and obtain citizenship. What defines your nationality? How significant is it to you that your adoptive home and nation embraces you and receives you with open arms? I'd wager it's absolutely crucial. It's something worth reflecting on when you encounter someone who seems a bit "unusual" compared to you.
Kate xx
PS: Many thanks to Elise for backing this collection and sharing her beautiful artwork with us. For additional Elise creations, visit her etsy shop.
PS: Many thanks to Elise for backing this collection and sharing her beautiful artwork with us. For additional Elise creations, visit her etsy shop.
