Human rights; human wrongs

Human wrongs.

I woke up on November 13th feeling very strange. People near and far were grieving―pain was in the air. You could not turn on the tv or browse through facebook without witnessing that pain. It was real and it was evident. The world grieves for more reasons than I can even begin to articulate. My co-worker put it very nicely when we were discussing the importance of human rights in today’s world. She reminded me that human rights often appear invisible, or get taken for granted until it is too late, until something tragic happens. Be it big or small, a tragedy is still a tragedy. Pain is pain wherever human rights are not respected.  Sadly, we are continually reminded that we still have a long way to go. However, despite the somberness of our situations we can always remember:


“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

 ―The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

During these trying times when I sometimes feel overwhelmed by this wicked world, I am always comforted by my amazing community here at the U of A. How fortunate are we to be surrounded by people who demonstrate the beauty of humanity on a daily basis and U of A services that ground themselves in love over hate.

A perfect example, are the services that the Global Education Program that the University of Alberta International (UAI) provides to further the facilitation and conversation concerning human rights and the state of our world.

Again, I must reiterate―How lucky are we to have access to such things?

So if you, like me, are feeling a awfully confused by our world but at the same time grateful, I think it would be a great idea to check out the 2016 Visiting Lectureship of Human Rights.  It might put things into perspective, or perhaps it will inspire you to take action! You really won’t know until you go.

Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights

2015 – 2016 Lecture: Albie Sachs

Wednesday, November 25, 2015
7:00 pm
Myer Horowitz Theatre,
Students' Union Building

Albie Sachs is a human rights activist and former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
This lecture is free and open to the public.
Register and save your seat.

Jobey - YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.