JustCounselling

I love books! It grows my imagination, gives me hope and is the key to different cultures, countries and a wider world full of possibilities and perspectives.

I recently watched the BBC’s Storyville titled “The Librarians”. The revelations behind the politicisation of the rights of people to freely choose their own books. The censorship and the fear is terrifying. The librarians are filled with courage and resistance. I honour them.

I reflected on how much gratitude and appreciation I have to access knowledge in any medium and I wish all the students and adults in any part of the world facing these challenges hope, compassion and perseverance.

Core principles of human rights

• Universality: Human rights apply to every person, everywhere, regardless of their background or location. 
• Indivisibility and interdependence: All rights—civil, political, economic, social, and cultural—are equally important and interconnected. The violation of one right affects others. 
• Equality and non-discrimination: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law without discrimination of any kind. 
• Accountability: Governments have a duty to uphold and enforce human rights, and there must be mechanisms for individuals to seek redress for violations. 
• Inalienability: Human rights cannot be taken away or surrendered, though they can be limited in specific, legally defined circumstances. 
• Participation: People have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and rights. 
• Rule of law: Governance, including the protection of human rights, must be based on law that is applied fairly and equally.