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Human history has long awaited the time when the energy of hope and creativity will arise from among the most downtrodden and oppressed. When people who have experienced such abuses become empowered and take their place at the heart of international society, and their welfare becomes the focus of new ideas and new thinking, our world will be immeasurably enriched—both in a material and a spiritual sense.

Our ability to respect others is the true mark of our humanity. Respect for other people is the essence of human rights.
The champions of human rights inevitably face persecution from the entrenched authorities and the powers that be. This is a constant of history; it is inescapable. All victories for human rights have been won as the fruit of such struggles. Therefore, it is necessary to always view things from a long-range perspective. More
Human rights start with recognizing the importance of every individual. Peace starts from fostering friendship with others.
When stones are cast at good people, when the rights of honest, hard-working people are trampled, we should be angry! When anyone anywhere around the world discriminates against another, we should burn with indignation! Raise your voices! Nothing suits the authorities better than the apathy of the people, than their feeling of powerlessness and their acceptance of violations of human rights.
People who trample on others’ rights, no matter how respectable they may seem, are merely barbarians. Respect for human rights is a barometer of civilization.
The real question is whether we look at human life from the point of view of the nation or of life. The “eyes of the nation” are quick to reduce people to numbers and inanimate objects, enslaving human life to the interests of those in power. But the “eyes of life” look at each individual as precious, irreplaceable and unique.
Human rights, democracy and peace are a single entity. When one disintegrates, they all disintegrate.

Stories of Hope

Another Way of Seeing Things

Arnold Toynbee

Historian Arnold Toynbee dared to challenge stereotypes of people and cultures—and was fired from London University as a result.

Stories of Hope

Lion of Freedom

Nelson Mandela

Despite being imprisoned for 10,000 days for his unwavering belief in human dignity, Mandela never gave in to despair.