Human rights
Implementation and execution of human rights is at the heart of our daily activities. In our work we have been particularly active in the areas covered in 6 out of 30 articles defined in the the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Article 7
“All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection before the law…”
We have been working with the deaf people, elderly, and mentally ill to increase their ability to seek help with local authorities. We also campaign against discrimination of vulnerable groups resulting from inadequate understanding of their needs and living conditions by officials as well as social services.
Article 19
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression…”
We have been dedicated to the propagation and popularization of SignWriting (SW) which allows the sign language, used by the deaf people, to be written. More information: www.signwriting.pl (website in Polish). Hence, the deaf can express themselves in writing. Our activities related to SignWriting have not been limited to Poland. In fact, we have been actively engaged in teaching of SW in Slovakia and try to popularize SW in the Caucasian region (mainly Georgia), and Balkan countries (Serbia and Montenegro).
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Article 21
“Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country”
For us it is important to make equal access to public services for our beneficiary groups. To do that we have engaged in various activities and events in Georgia and Europe. Our recent project has been co financed by the Embassy of Korea and aims to bring technological advances in the field of online translation and Internet communicators to the deaf in Balkan countries. Read more about the project (the Exchange of experience - media development for the deaf peopleExchange of experience - media development for the deaf people).
Article 23 (1)
“Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment”
In western countries unemployment is a rising social issue. However, the right to work has been granted to everyone in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To promote employment of our clients we have been actively involved in the projects aimed to provide vocational trainings, education, and supported employment (e.g. salary paid from the project, whereas the trainee can be exposed to the natural working environment). Read more about our recent projects (social inclusion of Carpathian Romani) and (the silent employee).
Article 26 (1)
“Everyone has the right to education…”
Ability to use SignWriting (SW) provides better education and creates equal opportunities of social and cultural participation. We have been also involved in projects aimed to provide vocational education for Gypsies and the deaf people.
Article 27
“Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits”
Empowerment of marginalized groups help them to participate in the cultural life. In addition, once encouraged, people from disadvantaged groups may decide to take action in various cultural events which looked for them not accessible once.