Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, regardless of their race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life, liberty, security, equality, dignity, education, health, and many more. However, throughout history and even today, many people have faced oppression, discrimination, violence, and injustice because of their identity or beliefs. Therefore, fighting for your rights is not only a moral duty but also a way to create a more peaceful and prosperous world for everyone.

Examples of people fighting for their rights

There are many inspiring examples of people who have fought or are fighting for their rights in different contexts and situations. Here are some of them:

• Nadia Murad¹: She is a Yazidi woman from Iraq who was abducted by ISIS in 2014 and subjected to sexual slavery and torture. She escaped after three months and became an activist for the rights of survivors of sexual violence and the Yazidi minority. She spoke at the UN Security Council and other international forums to raise awareness and demand justice. In 2018, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her courage and advocacy.
• Raif Badawi¹: He is a writer and blogger from Saudi Arabia who created a website called Free Saudi Liberals where he criticized the religious authorities and called for free speech and human rights. He was arrested in 2012 and sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for insulting Islam. He received 50 lashes in public in 2015 and has been in solitary confinement since then. His wife and children live in Canada and have campaigned for his release and pardon.
• Angela Doyinsola Aina²: She is a co-founder of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), a group that works to address the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among black women in the US. She advocates for the use of midwives and doulas, who can provide culturally competent and respectful care to pregnant and postpartum women. She also promotes the empowerment of black women and their families through education, research, and policy change.
• Tran Minh Nhat¹: He is a journalist and activist from Vietnam who works with the Vietnam Redemptorist News to report on human rights issues such as land rights, religious freedom, and democracy. He was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to four years in prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. He was released in 2015 but has faced constant harassment, surveillance, and intimidation from the authorities. He continues to speak out and document the violations against him and other activists.
• Greta Thunberg¹: She is a young environmental activist from Sweden who started a global movement of school strikes for climate action in 2018. She has inspired millions of people, especially children and youth, to demand urgent action from governments and corporations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic climate change. She has addressed world leaders at the UN and other forums and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Importance of fair and free elections

One of the most important ways to fight for your rights is to participate in fair and free elections. Elections are a means of choosing representatives who can make laws and policies that affect the lives of people. Therefore, elections should be based on the principles of universal suffrage, secret ballot, equal opportunity, transparency, and accountability. Fair and free elections can ensure that:

• People have a voice and a say in how they are governed and what their priorities are.
• People can hold their leaders accountable for their actions and performance.
• People can express their opinions and preferences without fear of repression or retaliation.
• People can change their leaders peacefully and democratically if they are dissatisfied or unhappy with them.
• People can enjoy their civil and political rights such as freedom of expression, association, assembly, and information.

Benefits of fairness and universal accountability

Another way to fight for your rights is to uphold the values of fairness and universal accountability. Fairness means treating everyone equally and impartially, without discrimination or favoritism. Universal accountability means holding everyone responsible for their actions and decisions, regardless of their status or position. Fairness and universal accountability can benefit not only a country but the whole world by:

• Promoting justice and human dignity for all people.
• Preventing and resolving conflicts and violence that stem from injustice and inequality.
• Fostering trust and cooperation among different groups and nations.
• Encouraging innovation and development that benefit everyone.
• Protecting the environment and natural resources that sustain life.

Conclusion

Fighting for your rights is a noble and necessary cause that can improve the world for yourself and others. There are many examples of people who have fought or are fighting for their rights in different ways and contexts. One of the most important ways to fight for your rights is to participate in fair and free elections that can choose representatives who can make laws and policies that respect and protect human rights. Another way is to uphold the values of fairness and universal accountability that can promote justice, peace, and prosperity for all. By fighting for your rights, you can make a difference and contribute to a better future.

References

¹: 10 Human Rights Activists Fighting for Change | Human Rights Careers
²: These 16 People and Groups Are Fighting for a More Equal America – TIME

(1) 10 Human Rights Activists Fighting for Change. https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/human-rights-activists/.
(2) These 16 People and Groups Are Fighting for a More Equal America – TIME. https://time.com/5783951/equality-activists/.
(3) Women’s Rights – Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/womens-rights/.
(4) Fight For Our Rights Essay – 713 Words | Internet Public Library. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Fight-For-Our-Rights-Essay-FJJ533WTTG.
(5) People who fought for Human Rights / Civil Rights. https://www.biographyonline.net/people/famous/human-rights.html.

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