Sama For Human Rights

Every December, we celebrate Human Rights Week, ending on December 10, Human Rights Day. The rest of the year, we suggest simple ways to keep going: learn, share, and stand up for the rights of others.

Where It All Started

In 2008, for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the artist Max Dana created the “60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary” artwork, in support of the Every Human Has Rights campaign led by The Elders, the group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela.

Over several months, sixty organizations and personalities signed it, among them Amnesty International, UNICEF, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, FIDH, Reporters Without Borders, OMCT and UNESCO. Max Dana also met Stéphane Hessel, one of the contributors to the drafting of the Declaration in 1948, and François Zimeray, then French Ambassador for Human Rights, as well as humanitarian workers, doctors, journalists and lawyers who added their support.

In 2009, the artwork was given to CIVICUS, the global alliance for citizen participation. It is still held at its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The “60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary” artwork by Max Dana, a world map covered with signatures — The “60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary” artwork, created by Max Dana in 2008.

UDHR Facts

Did you know?

Hansa Mehta, an Indian delegate, made sure that Article 1 says “All human beings are born free and equal”, and not “all men”.

Did you know?

The Declaration was drafted by the UN Commission on Human Rights, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. In 2006, the Commission was replaced by today's Human Rights Council.

Did you know?

Its drafters came from very different backgrounds, among them P. C. Chang from China, Charles Malik from Lebanon, Hernán Santa Cruz from Chile and René Cassin from France.

Did you know?

René Cassin, the French jurist who wrote one of the first drafts of the Declaration, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968.

Why Human Rights Day Matters

Human Rights Day, on December 10, marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly, in Paris, in 1948. In 30 articles, it states that every person has the same rights and the same dignity, whatever their nationality, origin or beliefs.

It is available in more than 500 languages, and it has inspired more than 70 human rights treaties, as well as many national laws.

The Declaration is not a treaty, and no court can enforce it as such. Its strength lies elsewhere: it is the common reference that activists, lawyers, journalists and citizens can point to when rights are denied. Human Rights Day is a reminder that those rights still have to be defended, every day.

Eleanor Roosevelt holding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights poster — Eleanor Roosevelt with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Max Dana's Commitment to Human Rights

Max Dana's commitment to human rights started long before the campaign. In 2003, as the crisis in Darfur unfolded, she started a newsletter to alert her readers to what was happening in western Sudan: it was the beginning of The MagkaSama Project. In 2008 came the “60 Signers” artwork, and since then the MagkaSama Project has marked Human Rights Week every December. In 2018, ten years after the artwork, the initiative grew into the Sama For Human Rights campaign.

Since 2006, Max has also run Sama Kids Day, workshops in painting, music, photography and theater where children talk about empathy, bullying, poverty and the world around them. The workshops follow an old saying from the Talmud: “The world endures only for the breath of schoolchildren.”

Drawings made by children during Sama Kids Day workshops — Drawings from Sama Kids Day workshops.

More UDHR Facts

Did you know?

Charles Malik, a Lebanese philosopher and diplomat, strongly defended the place of freedom of thought, conscience and religion in the Declaration.

Did you know?

The Declaration was adopted at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, with 48 votes in favor, none against and 8 abstentions.

Did you know?

It has influenced many national constitutions, including South Africa's 1996 constitution, written after the end of apartheid.

Did you know?

Article 19 protects freedom of opinion and expression. It is the article most often invoked to defend journalists and press freedom.

The Declaration Today

More than seventy-five years after its adoption, the Declaration still speaks to the questions of our time: equality between women and men, the protection of refugees, freedom of expression online, the right to privacy in a world of digital surveillance.

And no country is exempt. Even in long-established democracies, rights can be weakened, or applied to some and not to others. That is why it is worth knowing them well.

Try this: read one article of the Declaration each week, and talk about it with someone around you.

A gathering of the MagkaSama Project community — Human rights are learned and shared together.

Human Rights Every Day

Human rights are not only defended on December 10. Most of the time, it starts with small things: sharing the Declaration with a friend, a relative or a colleague; questioning a stereotype; listening to someone who does not think like you.

You can also give some of your time to an association near you, support an organization working in a country in crisis, sign a petition, or write to an elected official about a situation that matters to you. None of this changes the world on its own. Together, it makes a difference.

Try this: once a week, share a human rights story or petition you trust.

A post by Max Dana on X about human rights — A post by @MaxDana on X.

Take Action for Human Rights

Since 2008, the “60 Signers” artwork has reminded us that sixty signatures can travel a long way. Yours can too: sign a petition, attend a gathering, or simply talk about human rights around you.

Start today: learn, act, and stay connected.

Learn

Read the Declaration, and talk about it with people around you.

Read the UDHR

Act and Celebrate

Volunteer, support an organization, attend an event or organize one where you live.

Human Rights Day

Connect

Follow the MagkaSama Project on X, and share the campaigns we relay.

Follow on X