December is Human Rights Awareness Month
December is Human Rights Month, a time for us all to join together and stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals. Human rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. From the most fundamental, the right to life, to the right to food, education, work, health, and liberty, human rights are essential to living life well.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated poverty and inequality across the United States and revealed long standing disparities for Black, Latino, and Native communities in health, education, economic status and beyond. According to research on COVID-19 in New Mexico Tribal Lands from Frontiers in Sociology, zip codes that contain Tribal lands experience nearly 4.5 times higher rates of COVID-19 cases. On average, the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 1,000 population for Tribal lands was 22.33 whereas the rate for non-Tribal lands was only 5.68. The New Mexico Department of Health reports that Hispanic/Latino communities are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19 with 43.89% of cases identifying as Hispanic/Latino.
Here in New Mexico, the New Mexico Human Rights Act ensures that all New Mexicans are protected from discrimination in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing some form of discrimination, you can file a discrimination claim either with the state administrative agency, the Human Rights Bureau or the federal administrative agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Find support with Human Rights related issues at New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, or with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, ABQ Office.
A Spotlight on New Mexicans With Disabilities
This month, we’re also highlighting those with disabilities. Did you know that 460,355 adults in New Mexico have a disability? That’s equal to 28% or one in four adults in New Mexico. Everyone can play a role in supporting more inclusive state programs, communities, and health care to help people with, or at risk for, disabilities be well and active in their communities.
Find disability support through New Mexico’s Developmental Disabilities Supports Division or by checking out New Mexico’s Aging & Disability Resource Center.
Join in the fight for universal human rights and inclusivity this month by educating yourself on human rights issues both locally and globally and advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility!
Resources:
Thank you for taking the #DoseofWellness pledge. The journey to wellness begins with standing together for every individual's rights.
- I pledge to BE AWARE of the lived experiences of my friends, family members, and neighbors.
- I pledge to BE STRONG and stand up for every individual's human rights.
- I pledge to BE PROACTIVE by advocating for mental wellness of my friends and family.
English 
Español de México 
Tiếng Việt 
简体中文