This cornerstone document established a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled, regardless of their nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or language. This has helped to set an international standard of human rights, that has inspired a plethora of instruments meant to uphold dignity, freedom, and justice for all – which is also this year’s theme.
We invite you to engage with the theme, in reflecting on the accomplishments and work that has been done to protect human rights globally, but also to consider the work that remains.
Despite the long history of the UDHR, dignity, freedom, and justice has been under assault, as the world faces new and recurring challenges.
From the disproportionate effect of climate change on different communities, equity deserving people and developing countries, to the continuing attempts to squash the freedom of speech in many places around the globe. From the suppression of both 2SLGBTQI+ and women’s rights, to the rise of the alt-right and the ongoing assault of systemic racism that continues to plague our societies. These challenges also include attempts to remove the rights of workers, referenced broadly in the UDHR and refined more specifically in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as part of our Constitution. We must never forget that Human Rights are Worker’s Rights, and Worker’s Rights are Human Rights.
For us, Human Rights must also always be about economic justice. Human Rights includes equitable access to the wealth that workers generate; they include equitable access to public programs; they include an end to exploitation.
So, on this day, let us continue to commit to rise up, move courageously, and confront these inequalities through collective action. It is only through solidarity that we can begin to really address these issues, to bring dignity, freedom and justice to everyone, and ensure that no one is left behind.
