Are local changemakers the answer to polarization?

Human rights start close to home, with empathy and self-reflection

In 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt said human rights begin “in small places, close to home”. And that statement still rings true in 2024. Human rights become a reality only when people can exercise them during their everyday lives. This is why, at Justice & Peace, we work with partners worldwide to build and strengthen local communities of changemakers who work together to build just, sustainable, and welcoming societies.  Local changemakers are the ones who make human rights possible in small places, close to home, including in the Netherlands.

Worldwide, including the Netherlands, groups rejecting human rights and a shared, inclusive future appear to be expanding. We observe the deeper effect that “us/ them” notions can have on societies where they are prevalent. More and more groups are perceived to be turning against “them” (“them” who is blamed for everything), consequently resulting in growing tension and a disproportionate focus on the extremes in social debate. This increased opposition puts pressure and creates a more polarized society; one where the voices of the centre inevitably feel weakened, overlooked, or decide to step aside. It is within this environment that we alienate each other.

But this is also where opportunity lies. In our work locally and globally, amidst a polarized society is where we observe enormous potential for changemakers; those who want to work for justice, a shared future (and responsibility), and have empathy for others.

On this International Human Rights Day, we extend a different call: a call for self-reflection and empathy, especially now.  We ask for everyone, including ourselves, to be critical of themselves. “What is it that I actually know about the topic at hand?”, “To what extent am I willing to seek independent information myself?”, “Am I aware of my bubble of information and do I want to exit it?”, “What do I want to know? And what do I get out of it and what do I learn from it?”, “Can I showcase empathy for another person and different points of view?”. As we learn to understand each other better, resolving differences and overcoming barriers become easier. And the more likely it becomes to shape the reality of human rights together in “small places, close to home”.

International Human Rights Day

Today, on 10 December, we are celebrating International Human Rights Day and reiterate our commitment to human rights and social justice for everyone, everywhere. And together with our partners and supporters, we work for a world where these human rights are respected.