To most Americans, human rights feel like a basic necessity in their lives. Privilege is often the most common reason many people feel that basic human rights are essentially in place for all people. Universal Human Rights month is to raise awareness about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This declaration was established in 1948, adopted by the United Nations, and is the most translated document in the world. The Universal Declaration promises to all the economic, social, political, cultural and civic rights that underpin a life free from want and fear. This was created to protect the rights of people world-wide.

There are 30 rights that the declaration states are for all people regardless of any discriminating factors. Just a few of these rights are freedom from torture, freedom of slavery, right to health, right of equality between men and women, and right to liberty and security. Obviously, the creation of this document did not end human rights violations.

It should be known that it also obviously has made a difference in some people’s lives. No document is that powerful, but it has given victims of these abuses power to obtain justice within the judicial system, but many people have not gained access to this process.

These rights are just a few of the rights that effect domestic violence and sex trafficking victims every day. These rights are taken from people who deal with victimization each and every day. Each of the Universal Human Rights can and are affected by these crimes. We encourage all people to read the declaration to truly feel what basic rights people within their communities do not have the privilege of having within their daily living.

Domestic violence victims and sex trafficking victims face many barriers and many of the rights that have been taken from them can and do affect their ability to be free from abuse. Human trafficking is modern day slavery here in the United States, in our local counties and in our local towns. These victims are sold repeatedly and have no access to money, safety, privacy, healthcare, or most definitely to be free from torture. Many people have a basic knowledge of how trafficking can look like, but often believe myths that are tied to this crime.

People often believe it’s not within their communities. This crime happens everywhere. It goes unrecognized, not only because of the well-practiced abilities these perpetrators have, but also because the fear that comes along with being a victim of these crimes. Every basic human right is stripped of trafficking victims and is exactly what the declaration is hoping to end.

This also affects domestic violence victims in similar ways. Domestic violence victims are often controlled and human rights are taken to have power over their victims. The power and control wheel that is very often utilized to assist people to have a basic understanding of what these victims go through, or recognize the abuse in their own lives, brings forward ideas that violate these 30 rights that are within the declaration. Some include, but not limited to, the right to own things, freedom of thought and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, right to work, right to privacy, and right to freedom of torture.

Each victim’s life looks differently and the tactics of the perpetrators are different. Each perpetrator has spent time mastering what tactics they use to control their partners. All of these tactics violate basic human rights. As a community, we need to strive to help all people gain access to these rights and when we are unable to assist in gaining access, provide resources that increase the knowledge to retain justice.

Justice will truly never change what these victims are put through, but can most definitely help the declaration’s vision continue to move forward in helping all people. The most significant thing you can do to start this journey in our communities, would be to read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and speak with people working in your local non-profits to hear the experiences of their clients’ rights that are being violated.

You can support your local non-profits by donating, volunteering or even just spreading the word about local resources you know of, as well. You can access the Declaration of Human rights on the United Nations website, https://www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights/international-bill-human-rights.a

— Becci tenBensel is executive director of WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs