December 10, 2021
In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950 the UN formally adoption the recognition of International Human Rights Day on December 10th. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages!
Article 1 – All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
This year’s theme for the celebration of Human Rights focuses on Article 1. The United Nations website says, “This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTI people, migrants and people with disabilities, among others.
“Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, in other words – a human rights-based approach to development – is the best way to reduce inequalities…”
Communitas is dedicated to affirming, protecting and promoting human rights of people with disabilities.
Our commitment to human rights is evidenced in our core values; we see people as people, and provide a place where everyone belongs, anyone can achieve, and each person plays a meaningful role.
Aside from general human rights enjoyed by everyone, people with developmental disabilities have some specifically protected rights. Among those rights are the right to humane and adequate care, to be free from discomfort, distress or deprivation. Other important rights include the right to appropriate communication, the right to self-determination and freedom of choice (including choice of services). The right to meaningful relationships that matter to them, as well as a reasonable expectation of privacy are also specifically protected rights. Also the right to be safe from free from arbitrary eviction or expulsion from their agency-managed home or day program and the right to be free from unreasonable restrictions. The right to engage in activities that promote their meaningful participation in the communities of their choice are also included. For more information about human rights of people with disabilities please visit the DDS Office of Human Rights website.
If you have any questions about Human Rights please contact the Human Rights Officer listed on our website.