Home- Canadian Tribute to Human Rights
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The Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, the "human rights monument," is dedicated to the fundamental concepts of personal freedom and respect for the dignity of each individual. It challenges us to cherish and to foster these enduring human values.
Enter the Tribute. A path traces a symbolic procession through a portal inscribed with the first words of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The Tribute is the first monument in the world dedicated to universal human rights. A bold sculpture in the nation's Capital, it symbolizes Canadians' commitment to live in peace in a society based on fundamental rights. It was unveiled by the Dalai Lama of Tibet in September 1990. The Tribute was designed by Montréal artist Melvin Charney, winner of a national design competition for the work of art. The project was initiated in 1983 by people wishing to create a special place that would symbolize the historic struggle of all people of the world to assert and preserve their basic human rights. Carved on granite plaques in the "House of Canada," within the monument, are the concepts of Equality, Dignity and Rights in 47 of the more than 70 languages of the First Peoples of Canada. These plaques bear witness to the vital role of languages in the preservation of cultures.
On September 24, 1998, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, President Nelson Mandela of South Africa unveiled a plaque at the monument honouring John Peters Humphrey. Professor Humphrey, a Canadian jurist, wrote the preliminary draft of the declaration while serving as the first director of the UN Human Rights Division. Professor Humphrey was a patron of the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights.
Artist and Fabrication Date
Melvin Charney, 1989
Owner: Canadian Tribute to Human Rights Inc.
Location
Corner of Elgin and Lisgar streets, Ottawa
Directions
Facing Parliament Hill, turn right on Wellington Street. At the National War Memorial, turn right on Elgin. Continue south to Lisgar Street; the monument is on the left.
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