LIAISON Vol. 2, No. 1, January 1998

Liaison Newsletter > LIAISON Vol. 2, No. 1, January 1998 - Articles

Human Rights: an Agenda for Action
by Corinne Lennox and Ian Wildeboer

On December 10, 1997, the international community joined together to renew its commitment to human rights. Pledges were made, new partnerships were formed, and action became the priority as the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights began.
Canada is actively involved in commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Government agencies, human rights organizations, schools, and community groups across the country used Human Rights Day 1997 as a forum to sponsor events and to launch new initiatives in recognition of this special anniversary year (December 10, 1997 - December 10, 1998).

Canada’s reputation as a guarantor of human rights will be an area of great debate and discussion in the year to come. While the United Nations has recognized Canada as one of the best places in the world to live, many would argue that our reputation does not accurately reflect the reality. Our news reports are filled with evidence of ignorance, indifference and inequality: stories on violence, racism, sexual harassment, homophobia, hate propaganda, discrimination, and other injustices perpetrated in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country.

These human rights violations must be addressed. It is important that we do not ignore persisting problems while lauding our achievements in the field of human rights. As Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recently stated, "[t]he continuation of these violations is a sobering reminder that we have no basis for self-satisfaction or complacency". The heightened level of energy surrounding the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be used to prompt further change and inspire action around the country.

The excitement generated by the 50th Anniversary is already producing results. UNA-Canada joined many other non-governmental organizations on Parliament Hill to launch the 50th Anniversary. Coordinated by Amnesty International, the inaugural event also included a keynote address on human rights by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy. Similar events were hosted across the nation by UNA-Canada’s branches, the Greater Toronto Initiative, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, the Alberta’s Civil Liberties Union, and Saskatchewan Social Services, to name just a few. Consult our National Calendar of events at http://www.unac.org/rights/ for a further list of activities.

Canada’s young people will also be a key focus throughout the 50th Anniversary year. UNA-Canada is producing an Action Guide for secondary schools in Canada. Aimed at students and teachers, the Action Guide promotes greater awareness of human rights issues, encourages participation in human rights initiatives, and provides an extensive bibliography for further research. Upon its completion in January, the Action Guide will be posted on our website or can be ordered through the Human Rights programme.

In order to facilitate collaboration on human rights projects, UNA-Canada launched a 50th Anniversary Listserv on December 10, 1997. We are encouraging organizations and individuals to share their ideas, to disseminate information related to the 50th Anniversary, and to pose questions to other members. If you would like to subscribe, please send your request to 50udhr@unac.org. (CLOSED 1999)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has given us a valuable gift: the recognition of our freedom and equality in dignity and rights. In this 50th Anniversary year, let’s look back on our accomplishments in the field of human rights with pride, and then look forward to the challenging work that is waiting to be done. Begin today.