A message from the OPSEU Provincial Human Rights Committee.
The United Nations has declared December 10 as Human Rights Day. It is observed every year around the world and marks the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948.
In 2016, we saw numerous attacks on basic human rights. The transgender community continues its fight for legal recognition and access to services that are in accordance with their gender identity; Indigenous communities continue to struggle for access to clean, potable water; and the unnecessary killings of Black men by law enforcement officials have triggered a much needed dialogue on how to address and combat racism.
With President-elect Donald Trump about to assume office in the United States, we could find ourselves in a very challenging position over the next four years.
As community and social justice activists, we all need to stand together – because we are stronger together.
The United Nations is challenging everyone to stand up for someone's rights on December 10. But human rights should be on our minds every day, not just one day. We can all do better. Stand up for someone's rights every day of the year!
In solidarity,
Owen Smith
Provincial Human Rights Committee (PHRC)