On 10 December 1948, in the aftermath of World War II, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Declaration reflects an agreement that equality, freedom, and justice are values that drive a thriving society where everyone can experience equal access to opportunities within their communities. Canada is one of over 50 countries to have adopted the Declaration of Human Rights.
The Declaration encompasses 30 articles that address inherent rights and benefits of all people. These include access to education, employment, fair pay, voting rights, healthcare, privacy, and mutual respect regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. While many people already enjoy the benefits of these Universal human rights, there are too many who still do not.
The core ambition of the Declaration has been to infuse societies with equality, fundamental freedoms and justice. It enshrines the rights of all human beings and is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies. In Canada, our Constitution upholds many of these rights. The NWT Human Rights Act comes from Section 15 of our Constitution and protects the equality rights of everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status and more.
This year, the UN Declaration is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. It is a good time to reflect on the successes and advancements that have been made over the past 75 years. It is also a good time to imagine our shared future, empower people to fight for everyone’s human rights, and inspire people to create a world that respects our shared humanity.
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