Surfaid

Surfing and globalization brings up the topic of ideoscapes. When thinking about ideoscapes, human rights will naturally come to subject. The idea of human rights in of itself is something characteristic of globalization. Previously, it was accepted to only enjoy certain rights if you were of a certain nation that provided those rights. Borders seemed to limit rights. Now, however, rights have become universal or global.

To better understand what is meant by human rights, here is the official UN Preamble of Human Rights:

“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.” 

- http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

In Article 3 of The Declaration of Human Rights it states, “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” In this instance, there is emphasis placed of the word life. For many nations, the right to life may be in danger due to poverty, disease, and sickness.

For Surfaid, this has become their main focus. By partnering with governments and communities around the globe, Surfaid strives to combat disease, suffering and death. Health promotion and educational programs are run by Surfaid with the intent to decrease poor health habits and risk from natural disasters.

“SurfAid’s goal is to empower communities to help themselves and build local capacity so their improved health resilience is sustainable. We advocate health and wellbeing for all and create collaborative relationships with other stakeholder groups wherever we can so as to further sustained change in behaviour and development.” – surfaidinternational.org

With increased interconnectedness due to our day and age of globalization, it is refreshing to witness such organizations strive to allow nations to be much more autonomous in providing the right of life to their citizens.

To learn more and find out how you can help, visit: surfaidinternational.org 

- Bobby Poort