human rights meditations: week 25

Occupy Wall St Photograph by Daniel Oliverio.
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Welcome to Week 25 of Human Rights Meditations (only 5 more to go). 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 all about the time that you spend reflecting, and engaging in the discussion via comments below & twitter (hash tag #hrmlak).

This week we’re looking at Article 25 of the UDHR.

Article 25: (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Read over the article above a few times and let it sink in (this is a long one, so you may want to break it up as you reflect). 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

Some of my thoughts: 

• Medicare/Healthcare: I'm keen to know, what are your thoughts about free/discounted healthcare? 
• Life Insurance/Funeral Plans etc: do you think they help or hinder this right? If I was really honest, I'd say it feels a bit like it plays on it. 
• So bizarre that they mention that children born out of wedlock would have the same rights as those born in wedlock. It really highlights the era that this was written in (and the greater context- countries that haven't progressed in this area). However, it does make me think about the disadvantages some singe parent families face because there is less income coming in. It also makes me think about how young mothers are judged by their communities, and as a result, while being entitled to the same services, are much more likely to experience isolation. 

Kate xx