Thankful for the Past, Hopeful for the Future
Celebrating 40 Years of The Advocates for Human Rights
For the last seventy-five years, international human rights standards have served as a unifying thread for advocacy around the world, inspiring people regardless of their age, race, sexuality, gender identity, religion, language, politics, national origin, property, or other status. Since its uncontested adoption on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has motivated numerous organizations and countless individuals to fight for human rights.
The Advocates for Human Rights is one such organization. Founded in 1983, The Advocates believes everyone has the power to advance human rights. Our commitment to engaging volunteers in hands-on human rights work echoes the UDHR's call to action: "every individual...shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and...to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance."
Here in Minnesota, The Advocates is a top resource for those in need, while our international work reaches partners in every corner of the globe. Our areas of expertise include migrant rights, women's rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, human trafficking, abolishing the death penalty, international advocacy, and more. We can only provide these crucial services and robust advocacy by leveraging our incredible pro bono lawyers and legal professionals, community volunteers, interns, staff, and leadership. Without the remarkable individuals and organizations who sustain The Advocates year-after-year, we could not do the necessary work to support human rights and realize the promises of the UDHR.
"As we look back over the last seventy-five years of the UDHR and forty years of The Advocates, it is important to remember all the victories, both small and great, and the incredible impact human rights have made around the world."
As we look back over the last seventy-five years of the UDHR and forty years of The Advocates, it is important to remember all the victories, both small and great, and the incredible impact human rights have made around the world. This history can provide inspiration and guidance when we see the challenges the world faces today and helps us to remember that change is possible.
We hold on to hope for a future where our challenges have become victories, the opposition becomes a partner, and everyone lives fully, with dignity, freedom, justice, equality, and peace.
