Think of all the major issues happening in the world today and you are sure to find that they are all linked to Human Rights. But at a time when Human Rights are so important, few people can truly define them. Without a definition though, there are no banks and no river, life is simply a swamp, filled with murky water polluted with sewage. So what exactly are Human Rights? Although the obvious answer would simply be behavioral guidelines in a legal document, they are much more than just a set of statements in a declaration. They are an understanding of how all people should be treated and an acceptance that every person has a responsibility to protect each individual on this earth. They are a constant promotion of equality and respect for every single inhabitant regardless of distinguishing factors or personal preferences. Human Rights are the framework in which we set our actions and base our decisions.
Now that we have defined Human Rights we have formed banks for our river, but they are not very strong and the water is still dirty. There is still a long way to go until we reach that goal of a life flowing with freedom and dignity.

We start to build stronger banks with education. We need to start to gather information about Human Rights around the world. Each piece of information that we can process through our definitions gives us knowledge. This knowledge lets us move forward by building the banks higher. Where can we get this information? Besides visiting every country and doing a thorough check, there are organizations that actively go and look for Human Rights issues around the world: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights are just a few. Each of these organizations provides detailed information about Human Rights and Human Rights related events throughout the globe. However, we must remember to use a critical eye when looking at information. We use academia and research to define the issues. As we strengthen the banks of our river with knowledge, erroneous information can just as easily break them down. Visit the Understanding section to learn more.

As the banks grow higher, the pace of the water begins to accelerate and our process towards Human Rights quickens with the river. As we enter this dangerous portion we need mutual respect to keep the river moving within its banks. Respect allows people with different opinions to work within the framework of Human Rights. It might be easier to look at what respect does not mean. It does not mean: Letting others have their way, following someone blindly, thinking contrary opinions are worthless. Respect means that you realize that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and that most people wanted to be treated as equals. Where opinions diverge, respect brings the people together.

The cleaning of our river is started by Expression. We start to voice our opinions about what matters to us; that we care for one another as Human Beings. We express ourselves in many ways. For some of us it is art, some of it is speaking, acting or writing. Expression is imperative to personal and global development. TakingITGlobal offers several ways through which you can express yourself! When we express we can understand: Understand our thoughts, understand ourselves, and understand each other. If you want to begin to express yourself on the theme of Human Rights, try this month's Global Gallery competition.

Violations are not as simple as physical violence. They are only part of violations; other, less noticeable, violations include the breaking down of identities, controlling thoughts and actions, and violating human dignity. Expression, education, information, association, security of the person - human rights that many of us take for granted, human rights that form the foundation upon which our identity is built. This turmoil of identity is reflected in the river's rough waters. The flow of self-actualization is interrupted by rocks, eddies and other barriers. The rocks represent the measures taken by governments, corporations and security forces to control the information flow, break up peaceful demonstrations and stifle dissenting voices. The information revolution is perhaps the single greatest threat to the power of those who do not respect Human Rights, as the internet decentralizes into the hands of the people. Will this revolution truly deliver on its lofty goals, or will it remain as a tool for the powerful? The answer is up to us. Today.

Once past the turbulence of Violations you reach a calm place. A place called Civil Society, a small village that rests on the riverbanks that are stronger than ever before. Trees are planted to help solidify the banks, but more needs to be done. The water flows steadily past this peaceful place where people work together with one another to achieve their goals. The citizens here recognize the Rights of the other inhabitants. They are aware that Human Rights are the basis of their community. With violations far behind them, citizens can live in harmony, free of deprivation and contempt. They are able to accept each other without question and simply enjoy the company of others regardless of race or beliefs. But the work is not done yet; further effort is required for the banks to reach their full potential.

Our time has been defined by, and will be remembered for, two major trends: the Internet and disasters. Through the first you can discover the issues, inform others and become active. Because of the second you need to act. With this action we can calm the disturbances caused by violations, and create a smoother river for us to live in. It is vital to do something. Missing the moment is a crime. Not realizing the potential of a human being is a crime. Indifference is the greatest crime of all. Human Rights above everything else are the right to be a human being. It is not about idealism or some kind of morality. Iraq, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Yugoslavia, Haiti, Congo, El Salvador, Venezuela, Guatemala, Angola, Nicaragua, Panama, Palestine/Israel, Liberia, Pakistan, India, Lebanon. These countries have been in conflict situations in the last 15 years. Almost one million people have lost their lives. 6,500 people will die of AIDS in Africa today; they died yesterday and will die tomorrow. It is not about morality. Action is about what you can do. Don't dismiss any action because it seems too small, each of us are only a molecule in this stream of life but even the tiniest action can cause major ripples.