human rights meditations: week 15

Say Hello in Many Languages Giclee Print by Elise at Pieces of Elise's. 
Available on etsy.  

Welcome to Week 15 of Human Rights Meditations. Each week we’re looking at an Article in the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Learn more about the series here. This series is way more about the time that you spend reflecting, and engaging in the discussion via comments below & twitter (hash tag #hrmlak) so get thinking!

This week we’re looking at Article 15 of the UDHR.

Article 15: (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Read over the article above a few times and let it sink in. As you reflect, consider the following:

·          What's the first picture that came to your mind?

·          How did you respond to what you read?

·          Reflect how you feel about yourself in comparison to others.

·          Reflect on how you perceive others in your world. 

·          Reflect on your understanding of global issues.

Write the article down and stick it somewhere where you know you'll see it throughout the week. This will prompt you to keep the thinking going! Alternatively, write down something that has stood out to you throughout this meditation.  

Now, get talking! Let's talk openly about our thoughts on each article, what we're learning about ourselves and some of the actions we're taking to live more in line with the Declaration. Don't forget that as well as chatting via the comments below, you can get talking via twitter by including this tag: #hrmlak

I'll go first:

• Did you know Australia is one of few countries with only one official language? Many countries, such as Canada, Switzerland & Singapore, have more than one official language. It's interesting to think about the implications of this. While one of the reasons for this include financial costs of distributing information in multiple languages, in a country such as Australia, where we are seeing diverse languages being used much more often, this cost is necessary! By excluding langages, you also marginalise those who speak it. 
• I keep harping on about this, but... let's talk asylum seekers again! Think about it. You are forced out of your birth country due to violence, discrimination and fear. You no longer belong there. Then, you jump through multiple countries (and hoops) until finally you are granted a temporary protection visa in the country that finally agrees to "handle you"... for now. You may or may not stay there and gain citizenship. What's your nationality? How important is it to you that your new home and country accepts you and welcomes you? My guess is that this is incredibly important. It's something to think about next time you come across someone a little "different" from yourself. 

Kate xx


PS: Thanks to Elise for support this series and sharing her lovely art with us. To see more of Elise's work, check out her etsy shop.