We're only human

. . . and that should be enough.

In 1948, 10 December was designated to honor the United Nations General Assembly proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ironically and befittingly, this day was also chosen as the date for award of the Nobel Peace Prize presented each year in Norway. It is the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel who left much of his wealth for its establishment.

Alfred Nobel lived from 1833 to 1896 and was a Swedish chemist, engineer and inventor. He has numerous accomplishments to his name including 355 patents, the most famous for dynamite. The 5 Nobel Prizes are awarded to individuals with outstanding achievements in chemistry, physics, medicine, literature, and for work in peace.

Most have heard of the Nobel Peace Prize and would recognize many of its recipients . . . and we should. Among them are:

2001 - Kofi Annan (Ghana)

1979 - Mother Teresa (India)

1964 - Martin Luther King, Jr. (United States)

Perhaps you haven't heard of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights. Created in 1993, it is presented annually in Geneva, Switzerland to honor and protect individuals around the world who demonstrate exceptional courage in defending and promoting human rights.

Martin Ennals lived from 1927 to 1991 and was a British human rights activist. He served as Secretary-General of Amnesty International from 1968 to 1980. Coincidentally, Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.

It is quite possible you wouldn't recognize one name among the 18 recipients of the Martin Ennals Awards . . . but we should. Among them are:

2011 - Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera (Uganda)

2009 - Emad Baghi (Iran)

1995 - Asma Jahangir (Pakistan)

Great strides have been made since 1948 to make basic human rights a reality for all people. Some countries have been very progressive and I truly hope we will see the day when discrimination is a thing of the past.

The demand for basic human rights by ordinary people all over the world is profound, inspiring, and vital. The right to live in safety, to worship as you wish, to be accepted for who you are, free and protected is not a special right, it's a human right.

Tomorrow, December 10, do one thing for a better world. If you find yourself on a self-righteous high horse, get off.