Human Rights Program & Women's Program

Human Rights Day - December 10

December 10 - the United Nations’ Human Rights Day -marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the UN General Assembly. The Declaration states that human rights are universal and that all persons possess fundamental economic, cultural, social, political, and civil rights.

In 1982, the Canadian government codified most of the civil and political rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter is part of the Canadian Constitution which means that these rights cannot be taken away by the government or government agents in any circumstances without reasonable justification. Therefore, all laws and government actions must be consistent with the rights in the Charter.

Generally, federal and provincial human rights laws protect persons from discrimination in services and employment based on similar grounds as in the Charter. These human rights laws must also be consistent with the Charter.

What can we do on this Day?

This Day is significant in light of the September 11th events and the racism and backlash as a result of those events. Consider the impact of the "war on terrorism" and "security" concerns which are constantly in the media, and the political and economic arena. As demands for "strengthening security" grow, so too do government calls for limiting our fundamental human rights.

Attacks on fundamental human rights affects all of us! For example, Bill C-36 ("The Anti-Terrorism Act") defines "terrorist activity" in such a way that could include what are presently lawful union activities and peaceful political, religious or ideological protests. Generally, Bill C-36 will undermine the rights protected under the Charter.

Human Rights Day is Everyday!

Unions are a powerful force in the workplace and in our communities. We have proven this time and again. Let’s mark this Day by organizing to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and barriers in our workplaces and communities.

Mobilize: Join and support organizations, including human rights and equity committees at your workplace, who are working to protect our human rights and are building inclusive communities.

Represent: Work to ensure that collective agreements conform to human rights laws and jurisprudence. Get involved in the bargaining process and support provisions which further human rights protection.

Educate: Be vigilant of the protection of all human rights - especially in the aftermath of September 11th. Learn more about groups who are still struggling to achieve equality and equity in services and employment. Develop tools and skills to assess and remove discrimination and harassment in your workplace and community. Invite your PSAC Equal Opportunities Committee (EOC) representative to a union meeting to discuss human rights issues.

Speak out: Write to the newspapers and the politicians to make sure that the issue gets proper attention in the media and the Parliament. Speak out against unnecessary and discriminatory limitations on fundamental rights and freedoms entrenched in the Declaration, the Charter, and human rights laws.

In Solidarity,
The Alliance Executive Committee
Public Service Alliance of Canada