Human Rights: Contributing to a just society
We stand up for human rights for all
Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document enshrines the rights of all human beings, and its impact and ongoing influence will be celebrated on 10 December 2023: Human Rights Day.
Human rights are intricately woven into what Dorcas is and does. In a rapidly changing world, we see many marginalised and vulnerable people in need whose voices often go unheard. We meet their needs, but we also work hard for their participation in a just and fair society where everybody is included. We stand up for safety, dignity and the right to contribute. We stand up for human rights for all!
We highlight stories of various stakeholders that stand up for human rights. All in their own way, as every contribution matters in the mission to safeguard these rights.
Agnes: 'We stand up for human rights'
Agnes is the Chief Executive Officer of Dorcas.
Agnes: 'Human rights and inclusion are woven into the fabric of what Dorcas is and does. In practice, this means we strive for a society in which equality, well-being, freedom and protection are promoted, especially for people who are excluded. Therefore, our work focuses on marginalised groups, in particular older people, people with disabilities, women and children and ethnic groups such as Roma. We enable them to develop their talents and create opportunities for them and their communities to become more resilient, address their problems and flourish.'
How does Dorcas stand up for human rights?
Watch our video to learn how Dorcas stands up for human rights around the world. From safety and dignity to the right to contribute, our work makes a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
We stand up for safety
Safety is a fundamental right that many people around the world still lack. From climate disasters to personal insecurity, Dorcas and its people stand up for the right to live in safety.
Lyudmila is project participant of Dorcas Ukraine.
Lyudmila: 'The death of my husband became a moral and emotional test for me. I kept all the sadness and grief inside me. Only after a visit to a psychologist was I able to let go of my emotions and focus on the bright moments of my life. Therefore, I stand up for the right to mental health protection.
Now, I realise why I live on. I am waiting for peace to come to my country and my grandson.'
Rachelle is a Shelter Manager at Dorcas Lebanon.
Rachelle: 'Empowerment and safety go hand in hand. By fostering a society that values and respects women's safety, we create an environment where every woman can thrive and reach her full potential.'
Florencio is the Country Director of Dorcas Mozambique.
Florencio: 'I stand up for the human right of dignified access to clean and adequate water, sanitation and hygiene. This issue is important to me because over half the population in Mozambique (14.8 million people) doesn't have access to clean water, even though water is crucial for good health. Water, sanitation and hygiene is one of our three strategic pillars, and we aim to strengthen this human right in Mozambique through our programmes.'
We stand up for dignity
Every person deserves to live with dignity. From Roma communities in Eastern Europe to refugees in Lebanon and people in Yemen, Dorcas stands with those whose dignity is at stake.
Abdulhakeem is a Humanitarian Programme Manager at the International Training and Development Center (ITDC) in Yemen. ITDC is a partner of Dorcas Yemen.
Abdulhakeem: 'I stand up for a life of dignity for all Yemenis, because over the last decade, many Yemeni people were robbed of the right to live in dignity. They suffered from displacement, marginalisation, and persecution of all kinds. I hope to wake up one day to a Yemen where all people are treated with dignity.'
Jennifer is a Social Worker in a community centre of Dorcas Lebanon. Through these centres, Dorcas provides an essential combination of practical care and psychosocial support to the refugee and host population, especially women and children, to stimulate joint recovery and rebuild the social fabric.
Jennifer: 'Education is much more than a basic human right. It is the birthright of every child, the key to the future and the foundation of an equitable society.'
Marah is a student and a project participant of Dorcas Lebanon.
Marah: 'As a Syrian refugee, in my community, it is hard to express my opinions and thoughts. I want people to know that Syrian refugees did not choose to be refugees and leave their country and community. I believe we need to work towards more social cohesion in our society. It would be beneficial to have more community centres create safe spaces for people from different backgrounds to meet and overcome social barriers.'
We stand up for the right to contribute
Everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute to society. From farmers in Africa to women in the Middle East, Dorcas empowers people to build their own future and participate fully in their communities.
Rosy is a Protection Specialist at Dorcas Lebanon.
Rosy: 'I recognise and advocate for individuals' rights to express their opinions and actively participate in society. Empowerment and inclusion are crucial for everyone to engage in various aspects of community life, including social, cultural, and economic spheres. By promoting empowerment and inclusion, we can create more just and inclusive societies.'
Adia is a Project Officer at Dorcas Ethiopia.
Adia: 'I believe everyone should advocate for women's empowerment because, in most countries, women carry many responsibilities for their families and communities. Programmes that are leaving behind women are ineffective. In my work, I assist women in developing self-confidence and promoting their right to influence social change for themselves and others. I also support them in participating in decision-making, securing a place of work, and upgrading their knowledge by facilitating training for them.'
Annerieke is International HR Advisor at Dorcas.
Annerieke: 'Learning allows you to grow as a person and as a professional. That is why we work on a good (online) learning environment and create time and space for our colleagues to take a course. It is important that everyone gets the opportunity to participate. That is why we provide courses in different languages and for all positions within the organisation.'