Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A milestone document proclaiming the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
It’s important for all organizations and businesses worldwide to recognize their rights and understand that everyone is entitled to their basic inherent human rights. Hearing from expert keynote speakers who have committed themselves to advocating for fair and equal treatment of all citizens is one way to expand and identify the undeniable record of human rights abuses and what protection/justice governments and organizations owe their people. These leaders expertly share their knowledge with the goal of spreading awareness about some of the worlds most marginalized communities and vulnerable citizens who face abuses such as crimes against women, human trafficking, political upheaval and the impact of extreme Islam.
WWSG is home to some incredible human rights activists who are dedicated to positive impact and inspirational stories we can all learn from and aspire too.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Muslim, has gained an international following speaking and writing about what she believes to be the inherently violent nature of Islam and its subjugation and abuse of women. Named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” of 2005, one of the Glamour Heroes of 2005 and Reader’s Digest‘s European of the Year for 2005, Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a true and sincere advocate to the fight against violence to women and young girls.
Annie Leibovitz, one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world. Leibovitz has shot some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 30 years – in the shape of world leaders, moguls, movie stars and musicians. Over her illustrious career, Leibovitz has made it her mission to champion powerful women. Most famously with “Women: New Portraits,” for which Leibovitz photographed various women of outstanding achievement. Featuring CEOs, politicians, writers, philanthropists, and artists who continue to blaze a trail towards gender equality, Annie's focus brings attention to the most inspiring women on the planet.
DeMauirce Smith, the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). During his time with the National Football League, Smith fought for a universal declaration of player rights that established a new approach to governing sports and protecting athletes. The declaration made by the World Players Association was meant to remind everyone that where we start in this process is the men and women who play sports did not choose to give up the basic human rights that we would want for every worker.
Laura Ling, a correspondent reporting on crucial issues from around the world. She has reported from dozens of countries and has covered subjects including slave labor in the Amazon, Mexico's drug war, Internet censorship in China, and women's rights in Turkey. In March 2009, while reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women, Ling was detained by North Korean soldiers along the Chinese-North Korean border. She and her colleague Euna Lee were arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days before being granted a special pardon and returning to the United States. She has since sought to shine a light on the issue of trafficked women as well as to bring greater attention to the plight of other imprisoned journalists around the world.
