Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10, the day on which the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Canada played a central role in drafting the UDHR.
The promise of the UDHR, of dignity and equality in rights, has been under a continuous assault in recent years. As the world faces challenges of new and ongoing pandemics, conflicts, exploding inequalities, racism, climate change, etc., the values and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind. It is more important now than ever that the fundamental rights enshrined in the UDHR be protected and preserved.
Humber College is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive culture in which all members of the Humber Community study, work and live free from discrimination and harassment and where everyone’s human rights are respected and upheld. Humber has a legal and moral responsibility and accountability to ensure all its members are treated fairly, equitably and respectfully in providing a learning, working and living environment free from discrimination and harassment.
On this day, we encourage you to get involved by learning about human rights. By doing so, you can develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that empower us to stand up for our rights and those of others. You can choose to watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada or read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and choose one you will act on. Whatever you do, be committed to expanding your knowledge and awareness of human rights and how their violations affect our communities and our world. Remember, we are all responsible for creating a respectful and inclusive culture at Humber!
If you have questions or concerns related to human rights at Humber or Humber’s Human Rights & Harassment Policy, please contact the Office of Human Rights & Harassment at humanrights@humber.ca.