Greek Group About Human Rights
Interview of Ourania Xanthi from the Greece Team after the Training Course "The Right to Have Rights" in Berlin
Can you give us your opinion about the project "The right is to have rights"? What is the most important thing you have learned during the training?
The project ‘’The right is to have rights’’ was a great opportunity for the participants to get together and work on a very significant topic which is more relevant than ever before. The structure and the context of the project was very organized and the practical part of the course was helpful to implement all the gained knowledge in a creative and innovative way. The hosting organization was very warm and welcoming and helped all the participants when needed. They managed to give clear cut instructions and effectively accomplish the goals of the course as scheduled. The activities were all very informative and relevant to the topic and extended participants’ knowledge on the issue. For instance, one of the activities that deeply moved me was the role play. The goal of this exercise was to look through role play the ways that individuals are discriminated against and to simulate the experience of exclusion. This activity was very experiential and thought-provoking and affected all the participants in a strong and personal way. After the activity, the participants discussed their thoughts and experiences and many people shared their personal story to the rest of the group.
The most important thing I have learned in this project is the value of team work and collaboration. The importance of teamwork cannot be stressed enough! Through this project we used every opportunity to engage in teamwork and develop our communicational and interpersonal skills. All the groups were fully motivated and worked towards a goal in a creative environment. Moreover, people shared their experiences and opinions and we had the chance to broaden our horizons and perspectives for many different topics.
Why is promoting minority human rights so necessary and why we must fight for equality?
In 1948, the United Nations released one of the most important documents, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document which recognises basic rights and fundamental freedoms to all human beings. Undoubtedly, it is of the highest importance to protect and promote these rights and fight for equality. Considering that there are still millions of people in the world who do not have their basic needs and necessities covered, it is of the utmost importance for activists to continue working towards this goal. Everyone deserves access to medicine, accommodation, food and clean water. As a result, by promoting human rights everyone will get to enjoy these fundamental needs which are the basic level of human dignity and the absolute essential for physical survival.
Furthermore, they are means of protection of all people, especially those who face abuse, discrimination or neglect. In other words, human rights give us power and enable us to speak up and support ourselves against poor or bad treatment or when these basic rights are being violated. Promoting human rights brings awareness and it is a powerful way for personal development and growth.
Which of the Articles of the UDHR you found more interesting? Why?
I consider the Article 1 to be one of the most important articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Article 1 states: ‘’ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood’’. This article encapsulates all the important notions and sets all the other articles in context. If this right is not properly set up in a society, then all the other articles are definitely of lesser importance. The right to freedom and equality is entitled by virtue of being human and all people should be given the same opportunities. According to research, the right to equality is the most violated human right and therefore it is necessary to stand against all these violations and protect people from abuse so as they can take full advantage of all opportunities.