Happy New Year!

The year draws to a close, and as people come together to celebrate with family, friends and fireworks; contemplating New Year resolutions, and getting ready for 2011, some are also sharing their wishes and hopes on websites like the 1 Million Resolution Challenge.

We look back on a year that marked the 20-year anniversary of Nelson Mandela being released from prison, and it was also the year we saw the long-awaited release of fellow Nobel Peace Laureate and fighter for democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi.


Both Madiba and Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in the top 10 most admired men and women, according to a recent US poll, along with Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher.

Thank you to those who supported the 46664 Bangle project, and for your belief in our efforts to make a difference, inspired by Nelson Mandela. We wish you a year filled with joy, peace, and good health - Happy New Year!

Non-Discrimination is Focus of Human Rights Day, 10 December

December 10th is the opportunity to participate in Human Rights Day; advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities.

Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims.

"Discrimination targets individuals and groups that are vulnerable to attack: the disabled, women and girls, the poor, migrants, minorities, and all those who are perceived as different.
... But these victims of discrimination are not alone. The United Nations is standing with them, committed to defending the rights of all, and particularly the most vulnerable. That is our identity and our mission." ~ United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

We’re proud of, and inspired by, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, who are icons recognized worldwide for standing up for human rights. And we also recognize the power of the individual to make a difference. Join us in celebrating Human Rights Day.

Speak up … Stop discrimination. Click here for ideas on how to be part of a campaign that brings awareness to Human Rights Day.

Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed on December 10, 1948.

Joy As Aung San Suu Kyi Is Freed

People around the world rejoiced today, as beloved 1991 Noble Peace Laureate and fighter for democracy in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, was released, after 15 years of house arrest.

Suu Kyi, the daughter of Burma's leading independence figure, General Aung San, was imprisoned for her campaign for democracy in Burma and her leadership of the opposition party, the National League for Democracy. The party was never permitted to assume power, even after winning an election landslide in 1990.

A different time , a different country, different circumstances - and yet Suu Kyi's call for democracy and human rights is similar to that of fellow Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela.

As the world celebrates Suu Kyi's release, there is still concern about the remaining 2,200 political prisoners in Burma, and there is a watchful eye on the military government during this month's elections. According to this Humans Rights Watch article, there are reports of serious voting irregularities, such as questionable "advance voting ballots".

With this mixed backdrop of celebration and caution, leaders around the world expressed their happiness about Suu Kyi's release:

President Barack Obama: “She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world. … The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma’s people are free from fear and persecution.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chair of The Elders: "Aung San Suu Kyi’s release offers hope to the people of Burma, who face uncertain times following the 7 November elections. She is a global symbol of moral courage and we wish her strength and health as she makes her own transition from such a long period under house arrest."