Born Free and Equal at York Minster

December 2008 - celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

10th December is International Human Rights Day, and this landmark occasion was a time to commemorate the achievements that have been made around the world in the struggle for equal rights.
It was also a time to reflect on the fact that equality and justice are still not a reality for millions of people.

Our theme was taken from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights itself, which begins 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity in rights.'

The Archbishop of York's opening address saw him shower the audience of over 700 children and adults with sweets. Getting some of the children up on the stage, the Archbishop encouraged the children to question why so many people in the world have to go without when there is enough for everyone.

Watch a clip of the Archbishop of York's address below


(footage supplied courtesty of the Office of the Archbishop of York)

Born Free and Equal’s colourful programme also included music and African-drumming from Fishergate school in York; faith leaders with their thoughts on human rights; and the winners of our 2008 Human Rights Awards who came all the way from Algeria, Zambia and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Born Free and Equal saw hundreds of primary school pupils-turned poets.  Children from Wakefield to Hull took part in our 'Can’t Give ‘Em Up, Can’t Take ‘Em Away’ human rights poetry competition.  Judged by the distinguished African poet Jack Mapanje, the work of six winning poets featured at the event.  See the poems online

 Matthew Snell, Chief Executive of International Service said:     “International Service promotes the idea that human rights are not     only about politics or articles of law. Human rights start at birth –     they help us understand how all human beings throughout the     world are connected, and how our actions have an impact on the     world around us.”

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Download the programme:Born Free and Equal Programme (955.62KB)