On December 10th 1948, the United Nations voted unanimously to pass the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights, drafted by Canadian John
Humphrey. Following this historic act, the Assembly called upon all
Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause
it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in
schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based
on the political status of countries or territories."
Canadian rights took a big step forward this year with the Supreme
Court ruling that collective bargaining rights were rights enshrined in
the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom. This historic challenge to
Bill 29 came as a result of tireless work done by unions across the
country.
In spite of this triumph, however, CUPE Alberta feels Canadians must be
aware of the need to continue fighting for their rights.
"I am proud of the Global Justice work CUPE does. Our staff and members
travel to work alongside labour activists in countries where being a
union organizer is to risk beatings or even murder." stated CUPE
Alberta President D'Arcy Lanovaz. "In addition to this focus, however,
It's important to not think about human rights crises as something that
only happen elsewhere."
"In our own country, former residents of Africville are still awaiting
reparations, Canada has voted against United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Federal Government is refusing to
protect its citizens who are facing the death penalty in the US."
CUPE will continue to work towards achieving social justice in all aspects of Canadian life.
For the full text of the UN Declaration, see here: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html