International Human Rights Day, observed every December 10, commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone document proclaimed fundamental rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled regardless of race, gender, nationality, or beliefs.
For Mattese Lecque, retired Major with the United States Army Reserves, International Human Rights Day holds profound significance. Military service meant defending the very freedoms and rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration. As a Physician’s Assistant, she witnessed how healthcare access represents a fundamental human right. Through her community leadership in Charleston, she works daily to ensure dignity and opportunity for all people.
Through Mattese’s perspective, International Human Rights Day becomes more than symbolic observance it transforms into call for action, commitment to justice, and reminder that human rights impact everyone, everywhere, every day.
Understanding International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration
When the General Assembly adopted the Declaration, it was proclaimed as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”, setting out fundamental rights to be universally protected.
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It is available in 577 languages, making it the most translated document in the world.
The 2024 Theme
The United Nations has declared the theme of Human Rights Day 2024 to be “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, focusing on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good.
Why International Human Rights Day Matters
The observance of International Human Rights Day reminds us that rights aren’t privileges granted by governments they’re inherent to every human being simply by virtue of being human.
Rights Are Universal
Human rights are not granted by States – they belong to everyone, everywhere, simply by virtue of being human. They transcend race, gender, nationality, or beliefs, ensuring inherent equality and dignity for all.
For Mattese, whose military service protected freedoms for all Americans regardless of background, this universality resonates deeply. She served alongside people from every conceivable background, united by commitment to protecting rights for everyone.
Rights Empower Change
“Human rights are about people. They are about you and your life: your needs and wants and fears; your hopes for the present and the future,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.
International Human Rights Day emphasizes that these rights should empower individuals, communities, and peoples to build a better future.
Mattese Lecque’s Perspective on International Human Rights Day
As someone who dedicated 26 years to military service, worked in healthcare, and now serves her Charleston community in multiple leadership roles, Mattese brings unique insight to this observance.
The Military Defense of Rights
Military service represents the ultimate defense of human rights. Service members protect freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, and self-determination that the Universal Declaration enshrines. For International Human Rights Day, Mattese reflects that every deployment, every sacrifice, every moment of service ultimately aimed at protecting these fundamental human dignities.
Her experience as a retired Major reminds us that International Human Rights Day honors not just abstract principles but concrete freedoms secured through sacrifice.
Healthcare as Human Right
Human rights include fundamental ones, like the right to life, and those that enable a fulfilling existence, such as access to education and health.
Mattese’s work as a Physician’s Assistant at MUSC taught her that healthcare access represents fundamental human right, not privilege. International Human Rights Day calls attention to health disparities that deny this right to millions worldwide and in underserved American communities.
Faith and Human Dignity
Mattese’s book “You Can’t Make Me Doubt Him” reveals deep faith foundation that shapes her understanding of human rights. Her Christian faith teaches that every person bears God’s image, possessing inherent dignity and worth. This theological conviction aligns perfectly with International Human Rights Day’s assertion that rights belong to everyone simply by virtue of being human.
Through her active service at Saint Peter’s AME Church in North Charleston, Mattese demonstrates that faith communities play vital roles in protecting and promoting human rights.
Key Human Rights Principles
International Human Rights Day highlights principles that should guide our treatment of all people.
Equality and Non-Discrimination
Article 2 of UDHR states that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Mattese’s message that it doesn’t matter if you were born with nothing you can overcome and succeed aligns with this principle. International Human Rights Day affirms that everyone deserves equal opportunity regardless of circumstances of birth.
Freedom of Thought and Religion
Article 18 states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
As a woman of deep faith who serves her church actively, Mattese appreciates that International Human Rights Day protects religious freedom for people of all faiths and none.
Participation in Government
Democratic participation represents another fundamental right highlighted on International Human Rights Day. The ability to influence governance through voting and civic engagement ensures that governments remain accountable to the people they serve.
Mattese’s community leadership serving as Commissioner with Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, Chairperson of the Burke Foundation for Student Enrichment and Mentoring, and Treasurer of North Charleston High School PTSA demonstrates active civic participation that strengthens democracy.
Challenges to Human Rights Today
While International Human Rights Day celebrates progress since 1948, significant challenges remain.
Inequality and Discrimination
Despite universal declarations, discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics persists worldwide. International Human Rights Day calls attention to these ongoing injustices and mobilizes action to address them.
Poverty and Lack of Opportunity
Economic inequality prevents millions from accessing basic rights like adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education. International Human Rights Day reminds us that rights remain theoretical unless people possess practical means to exercise them.
Threats to Democracy
In many regions, authoritarian governments restrict freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and political participation. International Human Rights Day stands in solidarity with people fighting for these fundamental rights.
Taking Action for International Human Rights Day
“This is the time to mobilize action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.” International Human Rights Day isn’t just for reflection it’s a call to action.
Speak Up Against Injustice
We have an opportunity to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation, and countering disinformation.
Mattese’s life demonstrates courage to stand for what’s right even when difficult. International Human Rights Day challenges everyone to use their voice against injustice.
Support Organizations Defending Rights
Numerous organizations work globally and locally to protect human rights. International Human Rights Day offers opportunity to support these groups through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.
Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding your rights and others’ rights represents the first step toward protecting them. International Human Rights Day encourages learning about the Universal Declaration and teaching young people about fundamental human freedoms.
Through her educational work with the Burke Foundation, Mattese models this commitment to teaching the next generation about rights and responsibilities.
Advocate for Policy Change
Contact elected representatives about human rights issues. International Human Rights Day reminds us that citizens possess both right and responsibility to hold governments accountable for protecting human dignity.
International Human Rights Day and Legacy
Mattese’s emphasis on legacy connects powerfully to International Human Rights Day themes. What legacy will we create regarding human rights protection?
The Universal Declaration represented previous generations’ commitment to preventing atrocities like those that occurred during World War II. International Human Rights Day challenges current generations to continue this work addressing contemporary threats to human dignity while building systems that protect rights for future generations.
Through community service, Mattese demonstrates legacy-building that honors human rights. Her work creating opportunities for young people, serving her faith community, and strengthening civic institutions all contribute to society where human rights can flourish.
A Charleston Perspective on International Human Rights Day
As a native Charlestonian and Burke High School graduate, Mattese brings local perspective to this global observance.
Charleston’s history includes both painful chapters of slavery and segregation and inspiring stories of resistance, resilience, and progress toward justice. International Human Rights Day offers opportunity to acknowledge this complex history while committing to continued progress.
The Charleston community’s diversity racial, religious, economic makes human rights protection essential for social cohesion and shared flourishing. International Human Rights Day celebrates progress made while recognizing ongoing work needed to ensure dignity and opportunity for all Charleston residents.
Faith Communities and International Human Rights Day
Faith communities like Saint Peter’s AME Church, where Mattese serves actively, play vital roles in promoting human rights.
Religious traditions often emphasize human dignity, justice for the oppressed, and care for vulnerable populations. International Human Rights Day provides opportunity for faith communities to connect these theological convictions with practical advocacy and service.
Churches can observe International Human Rights Day through special services, educational programs, service projects benefiting marginalized populations, and advocacy for justice in their communities
Conclusion:
While we observe International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024, Mattese’s perspective reminds us that human rights concern requires daily attention and action.
Human rights impact and concern everyone, everywhere, every day and, because of their centrality in our lives, they should empower individuals, communities, and peoples to build a better future.
From her military service defending freedoms, to her healthcare work honoring dignity of all patients, to her community leadership creating opportunities for all people, Mattese demonstrates that International Human Rights Day principles should guide daily living, not just annual observance.
As we mark December 10, 2024, let International Human Rights Day inspire renewed commitment to protecting dignity and rights of all people. Speak up against injustice. Support organizations defending rights. Educate yourself and others. Advocate for policy protecting human dignity. Live in ways that honor the inherent worth of every person you encounter.
The Universal Declaration proclaimed that fundamental rights belong to everyone. International Human Rights Day challenges us to make that proclamation reality through committed action transforming abstract principles into lived experience for all people.
Stand up for human rights. Honor human dignity. Build a more just world starting today.
