MOSAIC Fights for Human Rights

In 1950 the United Nations General Assembly declared Dec. 10 to be Human Rights Day.

The purpose for declaring a day was to bring awareness to the UN’s wish for the world to adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Un.org describes the 30-Article declaration as “the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.”

What about those who don’t know they have rights, whose mental state can’t comprehend the notion?

That is what the folks at MOSAIC are all about.

“We go through great lengths to make sure everyone’s rights are adhered to,” said Janet Ridgeway.

Three of the 30 Articles speak to what MOSAIC prides itself on fighting for.

Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 25: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

As advocates of the intellectually disabled, it is even more important for MOSAIC to make sure that others give these basic human rights to those who can’t ask for equal treatment.

“We have a human rights committee at MOSAIC and make sure their rights are well protected,” said Ridgeway. “It meets regularly for all of the individuals, but especially on the behalf of those who can’t verbalize their own interest.”

She explains that they encourage those who can speak their opinion and interests to do so, but always make sure those who can’t have an advocate.

“It’s critical that we as an agency make sure everyone is respected,” Ridgeway stated.

MOSAIC’s mission fits in with the mission of the UN to ensure dignity for all people.

For more information on MOSAIC visit http://www.mosaicinfo.org/west_texas/ or call  325.651.3333.

For more information about the UN Human Rights Day visit http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/