Our work defending human rights requires us to be familiar with some terms that guide the conversation surrounding their protection. Therefore, we offer ten definitions* to discuss this topic that brings us together.
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Activist
A person or group of people who, through various methods such as marches, sit-ins, or educational activities, seek to bring about change in public life. In the context of our work, activism involves the defense of human rights. Its representatives are persistent, creative, committed, and believe in the power of action to transform the social landscape.
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Human rights
Universal rights of all people, regardless of nationality, gender, origin, color, religion, language, or any other condition.
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
A landmark document. It was drafted by representatives from all regions of the world and proclaimed at the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in December 1948. It established, for the first time, the fundamental human rights that must be protected throughout the world. Furthermore, this document, which has been translated into more than 500 languages, has inspired more than 70 treaties on their defense.
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Human dignity
A quality inherent to the human condition. It is the principle of fundamental rights and, along with the free development of personality, the reason why they are inviolable and inalienable. According to Eleonora Lamm, PhD in Law and Bioethics, "human dignity implies the need for all [...] to be treated equally and to be able to enjoy the fundamental rights that derive from them . "
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Guarantors
Institutions and bodies responsible for enforcing or creating the necessary conditions for the respect and exercise of human rights for all people, without distinction. These guarantors include the State and all its institutions, social organizations, media outlets, and intergovernmental bodies such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Mediation
A process in which a third party assists two or more parties, with their consent, in preventing, managing, or resolving a conflict through agreements accepted by the participants. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon defines it as one of the most effective methods of conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
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Leadership
The capacity of a person or organization to influence, motivate, organize, and carry out specific actions to achieve a goal. In terms of human rights, organizations like the UN emphasize its importance, as it is an essential element for consolidating peace and sustainable development.
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Communication
It's the tool we use to relate to one another, whether verbally or nonverbally. In our context, we hear a lot about nonviolent communication, that is, communication that seeks to eliminate from language what makes us feel guilt, shame, and judgment toward others. Instead, it invites us to relate based on cooperation, empathy, and compassion.
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Training
The learning process of what is necessary to perform a particular job or develop an activity related to the defense of human rights. Within the framework of our work, training is essential to connect with the groups we work with and better understand their needs.
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Cooperation
A set of actions that allows for teamwork and coordination to achieve common goals. In the current global context, this form of cooperation becomes more urgent because, as a society, we face challenges that affect all human beings: for example, when we talk about climate change or social equity. Furthermore, empathy, nonviolent communication, self-awareness, assertiveness, and creativity are fundamental skills for cooperation.
Now we'd like you to tell us what other terms you'd add. Remember, you're part of this conversation too!
*In constructing the definitions, we relied on documents from the Council of Europe, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the School for a Culture of Peace.