Background.

Human Rights are rooted in an “equal concern and respect” for human dignity. (Jack Donnelly, Universal Human Rights) Equality, respect for human dignity, and non-discrimination are a “cross-cutting principle of international human rights law.” (UN Commission on Human Rights)

The preamble of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that “All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms … 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”  

The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee seeks to offer a voice for those in our community who may feel voiceless and to inform everyone about essential perspectives on human rights.  We are concerned about threats to human dignity, and we work to remedy individual, institutional, governmental, and community cases of unequal or disrespectful treatment of anyone in Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

Our History.

In March 1998, the governments of the villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck created the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Human Rights Commission. The commission was specifically created to be a resource to residents going forward with human rights claims in a more timely manner than using the backlogged resources of either the NY State or Westchester County Commissions.

By 2009, the backlog of county and state claims had been mostly resolved and the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Commission was dissolved by the Village’s and Town’s governments. At that same time, the Mamaroneck-Larchmont Human Rights Committee was formed. As stated in the resolution authorizing this committee “the primary mission of which shall be to educate the public on human rights and to promote tolerance of our country’s diverse culture.”

In addition to being an educational resource, the HRC has continued a long standing tradition of producing the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr commemoration event. Although the content has varied over the years, this event is traditionally a speaker on a current topic related to human rights either locally or nationally. The Committee also frequently honors an individual or local groups that have exemplified in their actions or mission the legacy of Dr. King, Jr.

Committee Members.

Nicole Alifante (co-chair)

Nili Asherie

MaryLee Berridge

Gabi Blumberg

Naomi Hill

Shirlee Hilton

Minna Immerman

Jirandy Martinez

Lauringle “Lolo” Mitchell

Nancy Pierson (co-chair)

Elizabeth Saenger

Ben Sernau

Monica Trujillo