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08/12/2008
The 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Worth Celebrating!
December 10 is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a time for celebration. How will you mark the occasion? As December 10 approaches, consider holding an activity within your workplace or community to recognize the 60th anniversary. How about publishing an article about the Universal Declaration in a newsletter, posting information on a website, or gathering on December 10 to mark the occasion? On December 10, 1948, nations of the world joined together in recognizing that all people, in all nations, are free and equal in dignity and in rights, regardless of race, religion, economic status, age, gender or other personal characteristics. Through the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 years ago, the United Nations brought into being the first international document recognizing human rights as the foundation of peace, justice and freedom in the world. The Declaration, drafted in part by Canadian legal scholar John Humphrey, provided a foundation for the Canadian Human Rights Act, which inspires a vision for Canada in which "all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have," free from discrimination. We all have a role to play in respecting and promoting human rights. Employers, non-governmental organizations and communities are crucial actors in supporting the development of a human rights culture within Canada. The Canadian Human Rights Commission and its partners throughout the country work collectively towards fostering understanding and commitment to achieving a society where human rights are respected in everyday practice.
Publications and other materials on the Declaration are available from Canadian Heritage. Further publications and posters on human rights are available from the Commission’s website.
Thank you for your consideration, and your continued commitment to building a human rights culture.
