Human rights are not abstract ideals; they shape the way we live, work, and connect with one another every single day. From the freedom to speak openly, to the right to access healthcare, to the dignity of being treated with respect regardless of background, human rights are woven into the fabric of our daily experiences. Honoring Universal Human Rights Month reminds us that protecting these rights is a shared responsibility, and we grow stronger when we listen to the voices around us.
Human rights belong to everyone, yet each of us understands them through the lens of our own experiences. We invited colleagues and community partners to reflect on what human rights mean in their daily lives. Explore their perspectives below.
What does Human Rights mean to you?
“Human Rights are fundamental for all folks to have ‘the right’ to or the ‘freedom’ to live how they want and participate in society how they choose. No one person should feel forced into scenarios that minimize their equity, dignity, and other basic human protections. I will continue to do what I can in my personal and professional life to speak out against injustices and ensure that all folks feel safe and protected (and if they don’t, how can I help them feel safer and more protected). The fight will never end for basic human decency, and we must continue to fight and be a voice for those that need additional support to get their Human Rights met.”
– Leah Lang, Horizon Corporations
“Everyone deserves the right to thrive and the resources that make thriving possible. History reminds us of the conflicts that have divided humanity, but it also tells a story of people standing up for one another, choosing compassion for one another. I believe it is our responsibility to carry that forward. We have the opportunity to fight for each other and our shared humanity, and to strengthen the bonds that connect us.”
– Shacarah Henry, Horizon Corporations
“If you are a human being, you have the same EQUAL rights as everyone else, no matter what. Age, sexual orientation, gender identity, political beliefs, religious beliefs, ethnicity, morals, ethics, personal background…take away all these factors, you are STILL a human being with the right to stand up for yourself!!! The constitution applies to every single human being in America.”
– Sarah Greene, Tuscarora Reservation
“To me, human rights means recognizing your own inherent worth and expecting that you should be treated with dignity and fairness in all aspects of society. Human rights should reflect your freedom to make choices, express yourself, and live without discrimination or fear. They should represent the basic protections that allow you—and everyone—to live a life of respect, safety, and opportunity. Human rights in mental health emphasize that every person has the dignity and freedom to make decisions about their own care. They require that mental health services be accessible, equitable, and free from discrimination or abuse. Protecting these rights means ensuring informed consent, privacy, and community-based support that prioritizes autonomy and well-being.”
– Jeff Pirrone, NAMI Buffalo & WNY
“Human rights are the basic promise that every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and belonging—no exceptions. No one’s right to exist, to participate, or to belong should ever be up for debate. Everyone has a claim to the world as it is, regardless of their past or the labels society has placed on them, especially those who are formerly incarcerated or living with a disability. Too often, these rights are pushed aside to make others feel powerful or superior. That is unacceptable. Equality isn’t a slogan; it’s the truth we’re all born with—and it’s the standard we must fiercely defend.”
– Tyrell Ford, VOICE Buffalo
“Human rights ensure that every person has access to life-sustaining essentials such as food, water, medical care, and meaningful social connection. Each day, we hold the power to positively impact those around us in simple yet profound ways: letting someone merge in traffic, helping carry groceries, or noticing when someone feels down and offering a listening ear. Small acts of kindness create ripples that strengthen our shared humanity.”
– Liz Hole, Horizon Corporations
“To me, human rights are the foundation of human dignity – the recognition that every person deserves safety, respect, and the freedom to live authentically. It is essential to honor the inherent worth of every person and offer an opportunity for every person to live a meaningful life. Every single person we encounter has a story, a struggle, and a hope. My work has taught me that protecting those rights isn’t abstract; it happens in everyday acts of compassion and advocacy.”
– Sam Gray, Horizon Corporations
“For me, human rights means every person, regardless of any demographics, being able to live truthfully and safely in all environments. Every person should be able to receive equitable access to the means that they need and desire – these could be job opportunities, health care, education, etc. – and to feel safe doing so. With there being many barriers that still exist, human rights are essential because the fight for them helps expose flaws that exist that can easily go unnoticed with so much happening in the world. It is important to recognize that human rights are not something that people choose to fight for, but rather the unveiling of gaps that have left people feeling unheard, unseen, and under-valued.”
– Dominic Nappo, Horizon Corporations
“Human rights are both personal and uniting. They are a set of liberties that allow me to exercise free will, express my opinions, and be shown dignity. To participate in rights that indelibly belong to humanity comes with the understanding that not everyone experiences them in the same way, and that many have had them stripped away. Human rights should not be limited or exalted based on sex, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. To know what rights we have as humans is to understand the gravity of their absence—and to continue the fight until they are fully realized.”
– Abigail Grainge, Horizon Corporations
As a behavioral health organization, Horizon is committed to serving all of our communities. Click here to learn more about our Stronger Together Commitment.
If you or a loved one is struggling, Horizon is here to help. Call us today at 716.831.1800 to connect with our trained professionals.