Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10- the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.[3]’ Canada played an instrumental role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights .
The declaration states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the rights to equality, the rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. It also recognizes the right to freedom of religion and speech and the right to participate in the cultural life of the community and to live free from discrimination and harassment.
While Human Rights were adopted in 1948, in 2023 we found ourselves in a time where many of those rights are under attack. As CEIU members, we all can acknowledge that basic human rights in our workplaces, community and Canada as a whole are being challenged and are at risk. As members, we all have a role to play in ensuring that Human Rights are protected. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues, communities whose rights are being taken away. We need to remain vigilant and bring our voices to those who need us the most.
Here are some examples you can take part in on Human Rights Day:
- Visit the United Nations Human Rights Day website.
- Watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada.
- Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Story Collection.
- Learn about significant human rights milestones from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
- Attend PSAC/CEIU learning events on Human Rights Day.
Sarita Censoni, CEIU Ontario, HRRR Representative