What are human rights?
Human rights are freedoms that everyone deserves to have, like having a safe place to live, going to school, being able to see a doctor when they are sick, and getting free time to play and rest. When people talk about basic human rights they are saying that everyone deserves to be treated the same and have the same protections, no matter who they are or where they live.
It may seem obvious that everyone deserves these things, but there have been times when not everyone had them. Especially during war times, people suffer from not having food, medicine, or safe living space. During World War 2 (in the 1940s) this was a huge problem. So after the war was over, the United Nations made a list of all the basic human rights that everyone deserves and shared that list with the world. It is called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In 1989, the United Nations made another list of human rights for children. It was called the Convention on the Rights of the Child. You can find both of these lists below. Keep reading to find out more!
Click this link to learn more about some basic human rights with fun animations from Amnesty International.
This is a letter to adults from kids around the world, highlighting their needs for basic rights and their thoughts about the future. Do you feel the same way as these children?
This animated video from UNICEF explains why children have extra rights and protections!
You can find an image of the full list below, with a link to read more about each one.
I love this book series for kids. And they have a podcast for kids, too! Scroll through the episodes with your adult to find topics that look interesting to you. Lots of them include basic human rights.
Read through your rights with an adult. For a short description of each one, click here.
Why do you think these are important? Choose two or three that you'd like to learn more about and ask your adult to help you look them up.
Read a book or watch a movie that takes place in another country, or about a main character from a culture you aren't familiar with yet.
There are so many cultures in the world, with foods, clothes, and belief systems that may be new to you!
What is it like to be Deaf or blind? What is it like to be homeless? Or to use a wheelchair or have a prosthetic leg?
You can learn by reading a book or watching a movie about a character who has lived experiences that are different from yours.
Want to learn firsthand about new-to-you cultures and experiences? If you know someone at school or in your community who can teach you, ask them!
If not, ask your adult to check out the web site globalpenfriends.com and find out about getting a pen pal!
There are plenty of books in the library about human rights. Here are just a few.
Click on the picture to see the book in our online catalog. If it sounds like something you'd be interested in reading, you can put it on hold and check it out!
Know Your Rights and Claim Them
Nicky Parker
Right Now
Miranda Paul
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Eric Puybaret
We Are All Born Free
Amnesty International
Every Human Has Rights
Mary Robinson
My Little Book of Big Freedoms
Chris Riddell
Unshakable Eleanor
Michelle Markel
Get Up, Stand Up
Cedella Marley
Rolling Warrior
Judith E. Heumann
How To Make a Better World
Keilly Swift
Malala's Magic Pencil
Malala Yousafzai
Hear My Voice
Warren Binford
Upcoming Kids' Events
Search the Central Youth area for characters from the film Moana 2! Find classic favorites like Moana and discover new characters from the new movie. Find all of the pictures to pick a prize at the desk!
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Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!
Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required.
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Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!
While Supplies Last
Binary Code is how computers communicate with each other! Learn how to code your name and different messages in binary and make a bracelet to show it off! This fun craft combines tech and creativity.
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Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!
