Today, July 25, 2009, was the Global Day of Action for Human Rights in Iran. Demonstrations were held in major cities around the world. Three events were held in Washington, DC. This event was sponsored and coordinated by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations.
The stated purpose was to display universal solidarity with the Iranian civil rights movement and to demand respect for the human rights of the Iranian people. In Washington, a protest was held at the UN offices, then there was a march to the National Mall, and finally a rally with the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop.
Photographers and writers like any opportunity to observe strangers. A march is a low budget parade without floats or people dressed as clowns. People carry signs and repeat slogans. In many ways a march is very close to a high school pep rally. The only difference is that a pep rally usually lasts for thirty minutes in the gymnasium and a march lasts for a couple.
A march is a moveable pep rally with bullhorns, people cheering, reciting slogans. This march obeyed most traffic rules. Babies in strollers, people in wheelchairs, men and women of all ages, all races were present. This was a solemn occasion.
The Archdiocese of Washington recently celebrated Global Solidarity Month to commemorate the anniversary of the Papal visit. How great it would have been if a march had been held, too! How great it is to participate in this event, to see the expressions, to read the signs and banners! Being Catholic means believing in social justice, working for social justice.
This entry is not about politics. It's about basic human fairness. This is not about the internal political controversies in Iran. This is about individuals around the world through their presence at events like this one, making a statement.
Social justice does not always mean equality. The quest for social justice is a quest for something beyond civil rights. Social justice wants all human beings to have the basics food, clothing, and shelter; all human beings to be treated fairly and with respect; human dignity should not be denied.
Social justice takes time to be achieved. It takes sacrifice, dedication, hard work. Prayer is also very important.
The name Global Day of Action suggests something beyond one issue, one country. Work is needed everywhere to help the homeless, to combat poverty, to develop fair immigration rules. The number of issues which require attention is endless.
Today's events were successful because people took the time to participate. Some brought their children, friends, parents; others brought their cameras and their imaginations.
Everyone left with a measured optimism and an understanding that the journey is just beginning.
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