Stand up for someone’s rights today—Your stories

2 March 2017

This month Stand Up features some of the stories of how you have stood up for someone’s rights.

Helping doctors with disabilities in India
By Satendra Singh

After keeping out doctors with disability from over a thousand central health services (CHS) jobs for years, India’s health ministry has decided to open up teaching, non-teaching and public health specialist cadres of CHS to doctors with disability. The decision was the result of one doctor's relentless fight for justice over four years.

Dr. Satendra Singh, who has 70 percent locomotor, was rejected for interviews several times for jobs in the health service because of his disability. Thanks to his efforts posts in the teaching, non-teaching and public health care specialists fields are set aside for doctors with disability. Read more at: The Times of India*

Standing up for indigenous rights and education in New Zealand
By Steve Limpus

This is not my story, but the story of my colleague George Gavet, who I don't imagine would take credit himself for his courageous championing of human rights and education. George campaigns tirelessly in our community of West Auckland, New Zealand and on social media, for the rights of the indigenous peoples of West Papua, and particularly for their right to self-determination. George actively supports West Papua Action Auckland, a non-profit organization committed to promoting human rights in West Papua.

Locally, George is the power behind the Kelston Pasifika PowerUp Plus, a community homework center at Kelston Boys’ High School, uplifting academic achievement among Polynesian students, including students and families of all backgrounds regardless of ethnicity. George is Chief Operations Officer of Solomon Group, a private Māori training organization that empowers individuals to recognize and develop their potential in a mutually respectful environment. George is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees to multi-cultural Kelston Boys' High School, being responsible for the governance of West Auckland's only state boys' high school.

George has great “mana” (respect) in our community and beyond, is active in sports and culture, and a great father to his beautiful family. It is my great honor to call him friend.

Giving hope to Latin American LGBT youth
By Nestor Silverio

Working on a Latin American-based LGBT Facebook page, "El Clóset es para la ropa, no para las personas", we, as a team, pledge to defend people from discrimination and bigotry. We fight through cyber-activism, by stating that Love is Love and LGBT rights are Human Rights. We try to reach young people with a message of hope and acceptance. In the end, our mission is for anyone to be proud of who they are, being able to live in a more egalitarian society. More information: @ElClosetlgbt on Facebook*

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Editor’s note: These stories are in the exact words of the participants and have been edited for length and clarity. They have not been verified for accuracy.

*The United Nations Human Rights Office is not responsible for the contents of external links.

Do you have your own story about how you or your friends have stood up for someone’s human rights? Email us, using the form on the Take Action page.

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