Let's stand up for equality, justice and human dignity.
"All Human, All Equal" is this year's slogan for Human Rights Day.’’
‘’Where, after all do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." Eleanor Roosevelt
Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. ‘’This year, Human Rights Day is focusing on how rights are the beginning of peace within societies, and a way to create a fairer society for future generations.’’
#StandUp4HumanRights
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
- Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
- Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
- Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
- Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
- We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.
Many people from marginalized communities continue to face injustice, discrimination and violence in our society. Violence against women, LGBTQ2+ communities, as well as racialized and Indigenous groups and people with disabilities, continue to prevail.
This year, at residential school sites, more than 1,300 previously unaccounted graves of Indigenous children were found. On behalf of CEIU, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Indigenous families and communities who lost their loved ones, to residential school survivors, and to all Indigenous peoples who are affected. We stand with you to demand justice and reconciliation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people of Asian descent in Canada and around the world have faced unprecedented harassment and violence due to racist assumptions and stereotyping. Also during this period, violence against women and LGBTQ2+ youth has skyrocketed as people have found themselves isolated in unsafe living situations.
The rise of the far right in the US and Canada in recent years has led to more extreme expressions of hatred and violence and reminds us that we cannot take for granted the gains that we have achieved.
Human rights principles hold up the vision of a free, just, and peaceful world. We must stand together against all forms of racism, prejudice and injustice. On Human Rights Day, please join with me take a moment to reflect on those whose lives have been affected in recent times by injustice and to recommit to the struggle for a better world.
In solidarity and with respect,
Sebastian Rodrigues
CEIU National Vice President-Human Rights