Volume 1 Issue 1

Human Rights
The Spirit of the Code

Today, the mere mention of the Human Rights Code is enough to send people screaming from the room. They express confusion, fear, or even bitterness about the code and what it represents. I was no exception, thinking that some individuals had more rights than others. And perhaps I feared that in acknowledging the rights of others, some of my rights would be lost.

After researching the subject, however, I realized I had nothing to fear. I had been looking at the Human Rights Code in the wrong light, and neglecting to consider the reasons why we need this document. I did not need to memorize the code; only to understand the spirit in which it was written.

The code is about the responsibility of being human, and the responsibility of treating fellow humans with respect. Basically, the Human Rights Code is common sense without prejudice or fear. The old adage, "Treat people the way you wish to be treated", sums up the spirit in a nutshell.

Is it not shameful that a civilized society such as ours should need a code to force us to treat individuals with respect, or face consequences?

We must stop and think before acting or speaking in order to become aware of how we treat others. We must also become aware of the possible consequences of infringing on someone's human rights. Not to generate fear and bitterness, but to understand what happens when these rights are taken away. This awareness will help us understand the spirit of the code. Then, hopefully, we will realize, not only the importance of human rights, but how very important is the responsibility to uphold them.

In subsequent newsletters, The Human Rights Code will be discussed further.