International Human Rights Day, December 10
Thank you to the PSAC Mainland Human Rights Committee for sharing this message and some things to read and watch to celebrate International Human Rights Day.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.
It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.
The Declaration contains 30 articles, stating the world’s aspirations to human equality and dignity for every human being.
PSAC BC’s Mainland Human Rights Committee asks us all to do our part for human rights.
2020 Theme: Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights
The United Nations 2020 Theme: Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights stresses that the Covid-19 virus has a harsher impact on those of us who are far from equal. Have you noticed? There are practical ways that we can address this - by working towards the United Nation's sustainable development goals, which include
- No poverty
- No hunger
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable, clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
Inspiring Books and Film
The recent pandemic requirement to isolate has been an opportunity to journey within, to learn, explore, escape, and look for balance. Here are some of our personal book and movie recommendations pertaining to human rights, most of which can be found in the local public library, the National Film Board, and streaming services. We invite you to explore these titles.
Books:
- My Conversations with Canadians by Lee Maracle
- In My Own Moccasins by Helen Knott
- The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole
- Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- One Native Life by Richard Wagamese
- Raised Somewhere Else by Colleen Cardinal
Movies:
- The Grizzlies - released 2018
- Indian Horse – released 2017
- Angry Inuk – released 2016
- We Were Children – released 2012
- Once Were Warriors – released 1994
Be safe and be kind,
Celine Ahodekon and Ruby Langan, on behalf of the PSAC BC Mainland Human Rights Committee