Celebrating Human Rights Day

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Updated December 2022
 
Image: A group of marchers
I recently heard musician Jon Batiste say: “I want to reaffirm people’s humanity’ (speaking of his song, I Just Need You).

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th by the international community.

It commemorates the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. By the UN’s definition, the Declaration proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. 
 
This year’s theme relates to Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All and Article 1 of the Declaration, which states All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
 
Image: A group of young women holding a large inflatable globe
Photo: Kelly Edwards Photography, starsoul

THIS IS SO COOL

The Declaration is not actually a binding document. However, it did inspire more than 60 human rights instruments. Together they constitute an international standard of human rights. Moreover, another exquisite fact is that the document is available in more than 500 languages. It’s the most translated document in the world.


The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status. – UN Human Rights Council

Celebrating Human Rights Day

After the turmoil of the past couple of years, Human Rights Day arrives to remind us of the humanity needed in this world. No matter where you stand on politics, religion, race, gender, nationality–one thing remains, we are all humans. Think of the things that unite us rather than divide us even though nothing should really divide us. Music, for example, who doesn’t like music? Though we all like different genres and styles, we can agree that most everyone loves music. While one might prefer the musings of heavy metal and I personally lean towards a Dean Martin or Tony Bennett on any given Sunday, I can still sit at the same table with my fellow headbanger.

Image: A sticker on a signpost that reads, "Every human has rights"

A Personal Ask

I have a personal and simple ask for this Human Rights Day. You don’t need to join a protest or sign any declaration. Just do something nice for someone. Paying a compliment to a stranger will cost you nothing. And you never know how you’re changing someone’s day in the smallest way. I believe in the ripple effect of goodness. For example, the other day my husband and I said let’s pay for someone’s coffee today. We waited in the drive-through line and when we pulled up to the window we said, “We’d like to pay for the car behind us.” The young barista laughed and said, “That’s funny, the car in front of you just paid for you.” We looked at each other and laughed. Imagine if every car following kept that chain going. What a great chain instead of those chain e-mails we receive. 

So, I would like to encourage you to do something for a stranger. No matter how big or small. The smallest of gestures can affect someone in the biggest ways.

Image: Two children playing together, holding an inflatable globe
Photo: Kelly Edwards Photography, starsoul

DOING MY PART

Looking through my son’s baby blue eyes reminds me of the humanity I wish for in the world he will grow up in. It is what has motivated me to be a better person. Moreso, it has pushed me to pursue an idea I had years ago. A year ago I launched a local nonprofit with my husband and business partner on Human Rights Day with the hope of creating heightened awareness, raising funds year-round, and uniting us all on a global scale. I want to take this opportunity to send a heartfelt thank you to my mother. She is the soul of what it means to be compassionate and kind to others, no matter who they are. I could not have gotten this far without her today and in life. Mom, may there be more people like you in this world, showing humanity and respect for one another. 

I’ll leave you with a favorite resounding quote of mine:

INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER, WE ARE AN OCEAN.

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Sandra Jacquemin
Sandra is born and raised in Miami, fluent in 4 languages and credits her upbringing to be Brazilian-French thanks to her parents. After graduating high school from Gulliver Prep, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education followed by earning a Bachelors in Marketing and International Business. While working on post-grad in the South of France, she decided to be her own boss and opened her boutique marketing agency working with a roster of recognized global brands spanning from entertainment, to sports and beyond. Sandra and her husband, a former U.S. Marine, are first-time parents to their son Marcelo Joseph whose middle name pays homage to Sandra's late father. They’re also pet rescue parents to their adopted chihuahua Ellie. Sandra's affinity for Disney started when her Mom took her at only 7 days old. Coming around full circle, she has not only worked with the company behind-the-scenes, but they are now loyal Disney Passholders. She transitioned to eating plant-based in 2015 for a healthier lifestyle, and swapped everyday products to non-toxic. Today, they reside in Pinecrest and are enjoying discovering life as new parents. In 2021, Sandra and her husband launched a company with a mission, to help others with their mission, donating 100% proceeds from a t-shirt subscription to charities. Learn more here . Look for her posts sharing her love of decluttering, transitioning to non-toxic products, the journey to becoming vegan, starting a small business and so much more! Follow her on Instagram