by Karen Castellon, FAUSA, AWC Berlin, AWAquitaine

We visited Otávio Roth’s xylographs of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an art installation on permanent exhibit at the UN Headquarters in NYC. 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected

I chose to highlight Article 18 – “Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion”

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Sallie chose Article 19 – “Freedom of Opinion and Expression”

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Claire picked Article 4 – “Freedom from Slavery”

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

* Listen to FAWCO members around the world recite the UDHR. 

photos: Karen Castellon