All people are born free and with equal value. Non-discrimination is the central principle, meaning that everybody should be in possession of their human rights. Nationality, ethnicity, religion, language, sexual orientation or political opinion must not matter.  

The human rights are indivisible and interdependent from each other. The moral and juridical starting point for Diakonia's work for human rights is the UN declaration from 1948 and the seven other conventions about human rights.

Born free and equal

During the past years the possibilities to use the different documents from the UN have increased. More and more countries become democratic. But this doesn't mean that violations have decreased. Still, there is a great disrespect for the human rights in many parts of the world. The step from a country signing an UN-convention until real action is taken is often big.

What does Diakonia and our partners do?

Many of Diakonia's local partner organisations in the world work in different ways to strengthen the respect for the human rights. Some focus on minorities and native people. Others educate within the areas of citizenship or economic and social rights.

In areas of conflict, mapping and documenting violations against human rights are important tasks, as well as educating so called "barefoot lawyers" and to assist with legal aid.