We celebrate International Human Rights Day on December 10th. This is to commemorate the United Nations National Assembly adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
“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
This Declaration proclaimed the inherent rights of every human being. It symbolizes the value and worth of each individual; regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national origin, or other socio-economic status.
The first article of the declaration states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. This has become the foundation for legal protections across the globe.
The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the world’s most translated document, as it is available in over 500 languages, demonstrating its importance internationally.
In Solidarity,
Lloyd Brown, Ontario Council Racially Visible Members Representative
