What we talk about when we talk about human rights

How can you say one human right is more important than another? Aren't they all equally significant? Isn't it the compilation of rights that makes the Declaration of Human Rights so special?

Well, I will be throwing all of that out the window tomorrow!

Although all of these 30 human rights are important, I think it would be insincere to say that they all hold the same weight for every person.  Each individual brings with them experiences that shape how they see these rights.  Some of my students and their families struggle with food insecurity and unstable living situations.  For those students, the right to have food and shelter clearly hits home.

During our gallery walk through the 30 rights, many of my students commented and made connections to the right to move, as well as the right to seek a safe place to live.  Some had their own personal connections, as they and their families are new immigrants to this country.  Others referenced the documentary "Which Way Home" that we watched last year.  If you haven't seen this film, I would definitely check it out.  It is on Netlfix, and you can check it out on the official website: http://www.whichwayhome.net/

Other students commented on what they had seen in the news regarding immigration.  I was pleasantly surprised that some were aware of the most recent struggles immigrants have been facing, and that they were questioning how these trials could even exist if the declaration of human rights also exists.

Some students also recognized that some rights could potentially contradict each other.  One student in particular referenced the freedom of expression with the example of graffiti.  If people feel free to express themselves through graffiti, they may simultaneously be restricting another individual's right to live without being discriminated against or bullied.  They may also be destroying someones property. Clearly, teaching and discussing these rights brings up some complex issues that do not have simple answers.

Tomorrow, I will have my students watch 30-second videos about each of these 30 rights.  Afterward, they will analyze 3 rights, before choosing one right that they want to focus on and become "an expert" on.  Although I want my kids to recognize the significance of each right, I also think that it is important for them to connect strongly to one or two.  Most people who work to preserve the human rights of those around the world have a focus, while still having an appreciation for the declaration as a whole. Hopefully my kids will see to big picture, while still being able to zoom in on a right that speaks to them!