Sunday, December 10 is Human Rights Day Internationally and here in Canada. This year is the 75 anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which set out in 1948, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Declaration states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the right to equality, the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. Did you know that Canada played a central role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Check out this Heritage Minute! www.historicacanada.ca/productions/minutes/john-humphrey.

Declaring something does not make it so. Globally and here at home, we are not immune to violations, abuse, and even atrocities. Last week, an unfortunate act of hate happened on the BU campus with someone doing burnouts that left tire marks on our Pride Crosswalk.  So, how did we respond? Thank you to BU Queer, who said that we will not stand for hate. BU Queer went out to chalk short-term repairs until we can repaint and repair the crosswalk in the spring.  The acts of chalking, of repairing, of repainting all reinforce the importance of never becoming complacent and staying focused on positivity and love.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the rights that we are all entitled to as human beings, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, birth, or other status. It also recognizes the right to freedom of speech and religion, and the right to participate in the cultural life of the community.  It is available in more than 500 languages and is in fact the most translated document in the world.

Check out the Canadian Government’ website on what you can do, and how you can take part in Human rights day https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/human-rights-commemorative-days/human-rights-day.html

The 2023 Human Rights Day theme is “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”.  One option for those who will be in Winnipeg is to explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights with free admission on Sundays which coincides with Human Right Day: https://humanrights.ca/exhibitions-and-events/upcoming-events

Have a wonderful Human Rights Day!