Storytelling is a Human Right: Authors read, reflect, and relate their work to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Humankind has long used stories to make sense of the world. Today, from children’s storytime to complex literary narratives, books not only introduce us to new cultures and points of view, they also embody our inherent freedom of self-expression. Through their writings, authors have the power to tell stories that reveal individual and societal injustice and shine a light on shrinking human rights spaces. As readers, we can reflect on their work and act to ensure that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not just another diplomatic document, but the guiding principle for the daily life of people everywhere.