Human Rights
“The human race is suffering from its ego-born narrow-mindedness. Discrimination exists, based on religion, colour and nationality. As long as these man-made divisions exist in our society, there is no hope for peace or happiness. True freedom means loving all and hating none, including all and excluding none.
For cultivating the true human within, we have to reach out to the hearts of our fellow human beings. Political treaties and alliances are of little value. Removing differences and moving from diversity to unity are the essence of real spiritual practices.
This process has to occur at every level of our individual and social lives. There has to be a desire in every human heart to overcome mutual differences that have been artificially imposed by selfish political, social and religious leaders.” ~ Swami Rama
Advocating for human rights
I am a passionate, long-term advocate of human rights – as a living expression of Yoga.
Freedom, justice and peace in the world is possible. Because we are conscious creators, I believe in the ‘power of the people’ to facilitate change. From the great examples of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, history has shown how
Just as I am committed to cultivating inner peace, I am committed to educating, teaching and promoting human rights wherever possible. I am committed to taking action, both individually and collectively, on behalf of oppressed and minority groups, both locally and internationally.
What are human rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. They recognise the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like and what we think or believe.
Human rights are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, that is shared across cultures, religions and philosophies. They are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, setting out the basic rights and freedoms that apply to all people, these include:
- Participation – the right to life, liberty and security. Not held in slavery. Not subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
- Accountability
- Non-discrimination and Equality
- Empowerment –
- Legality
It is worth noting that women delegates from various countries played a key role in getting women’s rights included in the Declaration. Hansa Mehta of India and Eleanor Roosevelt were instrumental in changing the phrases from “all men” to “all human beings.”
Current issues and past events
