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10 Human Rights Quotes to Inspire You

This article was published more than 3 years ago.

Looking for inspiration? Our list of 10 motivating quotes features historic figures, Fund staff, and grassroots activists on bringing social justice, dignity, and equality to all people.

Throughout history, human rights activists have been at the forefront of change. Their vision, courage, and powerful words in pursuit of justice have transformed society.

These quotes, from some of our favorite activists and social leaders, reflect the voices of people striving for a better world. They also speak to our own approach to investing in the world’s most effective grassroots activists and groups on tackling critical human rights challenges.

Read on for 10 inspiring human rights quotes:

Eleanor Roosevelt examines The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.

– Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

 

Denia (right) meets with community members protesting land grabs.

Human rights mean the right to good health, a dignified life, and respect for the will of everyday people.

– Denia Castillo, land rights activist with MASSVIDA, Honduras

How well do you know your human rights?

Test your knowledge of human rights quotes and more in our human rights quiz!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking at a press conference held at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, in April 1960.

A right delayed is a right denied.

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

 

The achievement of social and economic rights cannot be separated from the protection of civil and political rights and liberties.

Maria Alesi, Legal Empowerment Fund consultant

 

 

 

Local activists are changing the power dynamics in their communities—that’s what creates change over time.

Regan Ralph, Founding Fund President and CEO

 

 

 

LGBTQ+ community members at a RSM meeting

Pride…is the freedom to express oneself… to walk in the street without be afraid of being judged.

– Jérémie Safari, LGBTQ+ activist with Rainbow Sunrise Mapambazuko, Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

 

ESG protects the environment, lives, and livelihoods of people in India’s Karnataka state.

You don’t solve climate problems just by going to Paris or Geneva. You do it by working locally.

– Leo Saldanha, environmental activist with Environment Support Group, India

Want to know more?

Human rights mean no one sleeps hungry.

– Hassan Abdille, human rights activist (formerly with MUHURI), Kenya

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