10th December marks the annual celebration of “Human Rights Day” to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Dignity International and its partners continue this practise of celebrating this day through the Torch of Struggle event in different parts of the world.

Dignity International Chairman Ton Waarts lights the Torch of Struggle

Dignity International participants of the 9th Annual Global Linking and Learning Programme, celebrated Human Rights Day 2010 with 130 Malaysian and Singaporean youths from La Salle Centre Ipoh, Malaysia. The youths, comprising of student leaders and young adults, joined the Dignity family in upholding the Torch of Struggle; being reminded and in solidarity with communities around the world who are continuing the fight for their human rights.

Participants lighting the torch of Struggle
with Dignity Executive Director Jerald Joseph

The group then engaged in a forum entitled “Human Rights Demands Action” as a call for young people to be more proactive in championing for human rights. The global participants shared human rights stories, issues, and motivation with the youth; and also sang songs and human rights cheer throughout the occasion. At the end of the day, spirits were high as everyone reaffirmed their commitment and beliefs to human rights.

The Forum in Action: Panelists Bringing Stories of Human Rights struggle
from around the world

Inspired by the youths’ enthusiasm, Dignity International and CARE Palestine made a joint contribution of USD 1,500 to La Salle Centre to start a human rights resource centre for youth.

This was followed by a torch of struggle celebration with the urban poor community of Kampung Kampung DBI, Ipoh where the local NGO Alaigal and the community people also reaffirmed their struggle for human rights.

Long live human rights! Moto Umewaka!

!