It’s a document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.  It speaks the truth of a world we know is possible.

Articles 1 and 2 (Core Principles):

Proclaim that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, strictly banning discrimination based on race, sex, language, religion or background.

Articles 3 to 11 (Individual and Legal Protections):

Safeguard the right to life, liberty and security.  They ban slavery, torture and arbitrary arrest, while guaranteeing a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.

Articles 12 to 17 (Civil Freedoms):

Enshrine the right to privacy, freedom of movement, the right to seek asylum, nationality, marriage/family and property ownership.

Articles 18 to 21 (Political Freedoms):

Protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; and the right to participate in government.

Articles 22 to 27 (Economic and Social Rights):

Guarantee social security, the right to work and equal pay, rest and leisure, education, an adequate standard of living (including food, clothing, housing and medical care) and cultural participation.

Articles 28 to 30 (Framework and Duties):

Outline the social and international order needed to realize these rights, balancing individual freedoms with duties to the community.

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It’s a piece of paper … an important one

It guides the actions of nations

Perhaps we should carry it in our purse or wallet

Because most essentially …

It’s about you and me