The Tahirih Justice Center stands firmly behind the notion that all human beings are born free and equal, in dignity and in rights. More than 70 years ago, at the United Nations General Assembly, the world came together to proclaim the same – that all human beings have inherent rights and that the most basic of those rights are deserved by all. Yet, almost a century later, women and girls around the world are fighting for their rights to safety and freedom.
This year, Tahirih participated in the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. For 16 days, we acknowledged one Article each day from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, offering supporters the opportunity to learn, share, and give. The Articles highlighted were as follows:
Article 1. 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 Human Rights Day, stand with survivors of gender-based violence and join the fight for freedom.
Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. As an organization inspired by the Bahá’í faith, Tahirih believes in the protection of diversity. We call on supporters to find unity in diversity by learning more about the epidemic of violence against women.
Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. The fact is, immigrant women are 2X more likely to experience gender-based violence than the general population. Break down this reality by supporting our work to secure safety and freedom for those who need it most.
Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Torture is often used to oppress, dominate, and punish women and girls around the world. Spread awareness of these heinous acts to stand with survivors of torture.
Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law. Every day, Tahirih legal advocates fight in immigration courts to support courageous immigrants on their journeys to justice. Use the power of your social network to shout from the rooftops that NO human is illegal.
Article 9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile. Refugees must be treated humanely. Detention of 
children and survivors of violence is traumatizing, especially when that detention is indefinite and unsanitary. Act now by giving monthly to help us support survivors of violence seeking safety.
Article 13. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.. Right now, our immigration system is inefficient and inhumane. Help courageous immigrant women and children rebuild their lives by giving to Tahirih’s Building Bridges to Safety Campaign.
Article 14. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. Thanks to our Pro Bono Network of more than 2,500 professionals, Tahirih serves thousands of asylum seekers each year, working to push through especially challenging cases. Put your passion into action by joining Tahirih’s Pro Bono Network today!
Article 16. Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. Everyone has the right to choose whether, when, and whom to marry, but across the U.S. many have had that choice stripped from them. Let survivors of forced marriage know they are not alone and that you stand with them by supporting Tahirih’s vital work.
Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In 2017, Tahirih fought the Travel Ban that 
barred refugees from 7 majority-Muslim countries. Religious discrimination has no place in the asylum process. Support our efforts to fight new bans as they are ordered.
Article 21. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. Tahirih creates coalitions with advocates from around the country to ensure that diverse voices are taken into account by law makers. We are calling on our supporters to act by subscribing to our newsletter for updates and action alerts.
Article 23. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Consider workplace giving today to support our efforts in providing social services to our clients, as we help them stabilize their day-to-day lives.
Article 25. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, 
including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Tahirih connects our clients to vital resources like medical care, debt forgiveness programs, mental health screenings, and more! Act now by providing support to those seeking these services.
Article 26. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. A girl’s education can be interrupted when she marries against her will, limiting her ability to become financially independent. Learn more about forced and child marriage today.
At Tahirih, it is our mission to serve immigrant women and children seeking safety from persecution. Through free legal and social services, bridge-building policy advocacy, and research-based training and education, we are walking alongside survivors on their journey to justice. On International Human Rights Day, we honor the resilience and courage of all survivors who pave the way for future generations to be free from violence.
