International Human Rights Day

“Human rights” are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of our nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic origin, language, or any other status. They are fundamental to the stability and development of countries all around the world. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination and here we want to share 5 significant movements in the history of human rights.

United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

It was on this day in the year 1948, United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a document that outlines the fundamental rights of all human beings that must be protected universally. Because civil rights are enforced by countries, it is difficult to establish an international standard for civil rights protection. With the efforts of the United Nations, we are able to celebrate on December 10th each year to raise awareness about people’s social, cultural, and physical rights and to ensure the welfare of everyone.

Women’s Rights Movement 

In 1848, feminists held the first women’s rights convention where they proclaimed women’s rights to the same freedom as men. However, it wasn’t until 72 years later that the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote in the United States, was signed into law. During the 1960s to 80s, women’s rights movements have risen, including campaigns in support of peace and disarmament, equality in education and employment, birth control, and an end to violence against women. Organized activism by and on behalf of women continued through the later waves of feminism from the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.

Black Lives Matter (United States)

Activists began the BlackLivesMatter organization and hashtag in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. The movement gained further awareness after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The foundation is now a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. The movement surged again in 2020 after George Floyd’s filmed murder. Huge protests appeared all over the country, earning it a comparison to the Civil Rights Movement. It may even be the largest human rights movement in America’s history.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Canada)

This year we have observed the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation also known as Orange Shirt Day in Canada. The history of Canada has had devastating repercussions for Indigenous peoples, including the loss of language, culture, and heritage. Most recently this has been brought to light through the discovery of the 6509 mass child graves at Residential Schools. This sorrowful truth of Canada’s history is marked on this day as we unite to stand against the mistreatment of Indigenous people as we remember those who so cruelly lost their lives and those who to this day, have not seen justice.

Ban of conversion therapy

Last week, the senate of the Canadian government has approved bill c-4 to ban the practice of Conversion therapy nationwide. Conversion Therapy is known as a range of dangerous practices that falsely claim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. These practices have been rejected by mainstream medical and mental health organizations for decades, but due to continuing discrimination against LGBTQ people, some practitioners continue to conduct these discredited practices over time. Minors are especially vulnerable, and conversion therapy can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, even suicide. Here at PsyMood, we stand for inclusivity and equality and we are proud to see the end of this harmful and antiquated practice nationwide.

Inequality had major upheaval on everyone, it has fueled poverty, inequalities, and discrimination. To build back a world that is better, resilient, and sustainable, we must take measures to close these gaps. Fortunately, nowadays we are clear what human dignity means, and we are dedicated to protecting and promoting it. At PsyMood, we are working towards building a resourceful platform to provide inclusive services that are customized to personal needs. 

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