|
|
|
|
  |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Trousse sur les droits de l’homme > Foreword Ce document est disponible seulement en anglais. International attention to human rights concerns has significantly increased since the creation of the United Nations in 1945. The world has come to recognize the necessity of preserving basic rights and freedoms in order to secure peace, foster development, and improve human welfare. There is now a substantial body of international law that clearly outlines what human rights are, and the responsibilities that states and individuals share in respecting those rights. In practice, however, we have too often failed to fulfill these responsibilities. Injustice, exploitation, and violence are ever-present. Even Canada, a country that is frequently praised for its strong human rights record, is not immune to such problems as racism, discrimination, and poverty. During the 50th Anniversary year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must work together to ensure that the standards set by the countries of the world on December 10, 1948, are the same standards we adhere to today. The world has changed dramatically in fifty years, but our goal remains the same: "the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family". Canadians will be actively involved in pursuing this goal during the 50th Anniversary. Hundreds of organizations across Canada are launching special initiatives to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. From international conferences to the Department of Canadian Heritage’s CREDO campaign, human rights will be an important focus for schools, community groups, and national agencies alike. The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) is very excited to be a part of these activities. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization that is dedicated to building bridges of knowledge and understanding that link all Canadians with the people and nations of the world. Through the United Nations system, we share in the common quest for peace, human rights, equitable and sustainable development, and the elimination of poverty. Our role is to educate Canadians about the United Nations, and to promote a strong Canadian role in the United Nations and its various bodies. The Action Guide: A Human Rights Resource Manual for Secondary Schools, is a major component of UNA-Canada’s 50th Anniversary Human Rights Project. Created for students and teachers, the Action Guide will inspire you to participate in human rights! It provides background information on human rights in Canada, responds to common questions, and includes an exciting list of action ideas to promote involvement in human rights. In order to facilitate further research into specific human rights issues, an extensive annotated bibliography of websites, videos, and non-fiction resources has also been compiled and is organized according to human rights themes. We have attempted to select resources that reflect a Canadian content wherever appropriate. An evaluation form has also been included. To aid in the development of future projects we encourage you to send us your comments and let us know how you have incorporated the Action Guide into classroom, extra-curricular, and community activities. UNA-Canada, in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, is acting as a clearing house for information on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related events. Please consult our website at http://www.unac.org for access to the National Calendar of Events, a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and additional action ideas. For further information on the CREDO campaign, contact 1-888-852-3456, or go to http://www.credo98.com. If we can be of further assistance to you during the 50th Anniversary, please contact the Human Rights Project at (613) 232-5751 ext. 231, by fax at (613) 563-2455, or by email at 50udhr@unac.org. The 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an excellent time to begin or expand your involvement in human rights. Whether your focus is international or local, a group initiative or an independent project, through your involvement you will make a positive impact on the lives of others. We wish you the best in your activities and we thank you for joining us in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yours sincerely, |
