RI President Stephanie Urchick’s priorities include healing a divided world, by focusing on peace and ensuring harmonious club environments.
The Australian Human Rights Commission and Rotary are in complete agreement. The Commission defines human rights as recognising “the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like, what we think or what we believe. Based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, human rights are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies.
Essentially, they are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives. Respect for human rights is the cornerstone of strong communities in which everyone can make a contribution and feel included.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948. A little Rotary history – in 1940 at its Havana, Cuba convention, Rotary adopted a resolution calling for “freedom, justice, truth, sanctity of the pledged word, and respect for human rights”, principles that became the framework for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As a direct result, in April 1945, Rotary was at the forefront of one of the most important meetings of the 20th Century. It was the invited organisation with the largest number of delegates to witness the finalising of the charter of the United Nations in San Francisco. In other words, Rotary has been a proud member of the international peace and human rights movement from Day One.
For fellowship forged in service to others, and friendships formed by good company shared over a fine meal we give thanks.
Tony Battaini
Thank you to Tony Battaini for providing this reflection on 4 September 2024.
