Malia Ramsby, Sophomore
What Are Human Rights?
Human rights are the rights given to everyone as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in the U.S., the Constitution. Some of these rights include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to life and liberty. The Constitution also states that everybody, regardless of their race, gender expression, orientation or occupation, is to be treated equally, and no one shall be discriminated against.
Why So Many Human Rights Movements?
To this day, people are unconstitutionally discriminated against, mostly because of their race, orientation, or gender expression. For example, due to recent police brutality, the Black Lives Matter Movement has “resurfaced,” although it’s always been around. In May of 2020, former officer Derek Chauvin of Minneapolis was responsible for the death of George Floyd. Floyd had been arrested and, though he did not resist his arrest, Officer Chauvin took more than nine minutes kneeling on his neck, despite the fact that the suspect could not breathe.
Pervis Payne, a 54-year-old black man with an intellectual disability, was wrongfully put on death row. Payne spent 33 years there before being formally removed in November of this year. He is innocent and there is evidence that he is innocent, but those who put him on death row refused to look at any of it, just because he is Black. His time on death row was very much unconstitutional and, though he was removed, he still will not be freed at this time.
Indigenous Peoples are also being discriminated against. Recently, bodies of many Indigenous children were found at residential schools in Canada. The Canadian Government is trying to make amends with Indigenous Peoples because of everything that took place in the past, but the only thing they’ve really proposed is compensation. Money can’t fix all of the lives lost and all of the trauma that was caused within Indigenous families. The United States doesn’t have such a great past with them either. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the U.S., had started campaigns to “remove the Indians”, which ultimately resulted in soldiers coming to their houses, looting them and taking their belongings.
How Can I Help?
While people still suffer from human rights violations, there are still ways anyone can help. Staying aware of current events and speaking out against discrimination can help the causes you care about. You can also donate to causes you believe in, in order to fund those who are making a difference. And last, but certainly not least, you can be sure to listen to the stories and perspectives of those unlike yourself, to better understand others’ experiences.
Comments