DC Office of Human Rights | Volume XXXVII | December 2021
December is Universal Human Rights Month!
This year marks the 73rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In those seven decades we have come so far in protecting the rights of our fellow humans. We have witnessed 40 years of progress in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the expansion of protections for People with Disabilities. These milestone events are marked by World HIV/AIDS Day on December 1 and International Day for People with Disabilities on December 3.

It has been nearly two years since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. In that time we have see its devastating impacts. Since the first cases were reported in December 2019, there have been over 255 million cases and 5.1 million deaths in 223 countries. As a result, there have been unexpected challenges in healthcare, education, employment, housing, and public accommodations.

To honor those who not only stood up to meet the urgent needs that arose or became exacerbated by the pandemic, but who continued fighting for the protection of human rights for D.C. residents, the Commission on Human Rights acknowledged two exceptional individuals at this year's Human Rights Gala, which was held on December 7. The Commission presented Christy Respress, Executive Director for Pathway to Housing D.C. with the Cornelius R. "Neil Alexander Humanitarian Award. And, for the first time, presented the Emerging Leadership Award to Jaiya Lalla, Global Classrooms D.C. (GCDC) program of the National Capital Area Chapter of the United Nations association. To learn more about their work, please click here.
Interim Director's Note

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends,

December is a special month for human rights in the District of Columbia. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. In our November newsletter, we reminded our readers of the anniversary of the Declaration’s signing. We’d like to share that this year’s theme for International Human Rights Day is “Equality”- reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.

We also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the D.C. Commission on Human Rights. The Commission plays an important role in holding public hearings after the Office of Human Rights finds probable cause to believe discrimination may have occurred. On December 13, 1977, the D.C. Human Rights Act became effective, and since 1977, the HRA has expanded to include additional protected traits such as gender identity and expression, status as a victim or a family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, credit information, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, or breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions. 

December also means it’s time to start thinking about our new year’s resolutions for 2022. A great way to hold yourself accountable is to create a vision board. Whether you do this alone or with a group of friends, it is a fun way to mentally prepare yourself for a productive year and to set your priorities.

With January being Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, it is important to raise awareness about the different forms of human trafficking. For more information, please visit HopeforJustice.org.

Finally, as we prepare for the holidays, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to attend the many festivities our city has to offer, including Enchant at Nationals Park. The light maze will be on display from November 26 to January 2, 2022. Or, attend one of the many holiday markets around the DMV, including the Takoma Cocoa Crawl (December 18) or the Umoja Market at Anacostia Arts Center (December 18 and 19th).

Happy Holidays from the OHR family to yours. Wishing you a safe, productive, and healthy New Year!
Sincerely,
Hnin Khaing, Interim Director
Trait of the Month: Disability
Disability is a protected trait under the D.C. Human Rights Act. The law prohibits discrimination-based a on person’s physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including HIV/AIDS). What is important to note about disabilities, it that even when two people share the same disability, it may affect them in different ways.

DID YOU KNOW: An estimated 1 in 10 people live with an invisible, or hidden, disability. These types of disabilities are not immediately apparent, and include things like chronic illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS; autism; neurodiversity; mental health conditions; brain injuries; and lupus. Because these disabilities are invisible, others have a hard time recognizing or acknowledging them. This lack of understanding can be detrimental to a person’s emotional and mental health.
Wearing a sunflower discreetly indicates to people around you including staff, colleagues, and mental health professionals you may need additional support, health, or time. Click here for more information.

To learn more about protected traits, please visit Protected Traits in the DC. Human Rights Act. For more information or to file a complaint, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov.
HIV/AID Resources
DC has reached the next phase in our plan to end the HIV epidemic. For more information visit, the DC Department of Health or DC ENDS HIV 

  • HIV Prevention and Treatment Sex+ Offers a number of resources
  • PrEP is a safe, daily pill that prevents you from contracting HIV. It is 90% effective when taken correctly. It is for HIV negative people and those who are vulnerable to getting HIV. If you’re not sure whether or not PrEP is the right choice for you visit +PrEP 101.
  • Have questions about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)? Visit CDC PrEP for more information.
  • HIV Testing Sites
  • Request a FREE At-Home HIV/STD Test Kits: Get Checked DC Offers At-Home Test Kits and Walk-In Testing for HIV, STDS, and hepatitis. They can help even if you are uninsured or underinsured for lab testing services
  • If you or someone you know would like free condoms, visit Condoms and Condom Information to get them delivered to your DC address.
  • Needle Exchange: The DC Needle Exchange Program (DC NEX) keeps our communities safe by stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and connecting people to the health services they need.
  • Whitman-Walker Health offers support groups for a variety of LGBTQ+ focused communities. Click here for more information.
DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov