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December 10 is International Human Rights Day. On this day, 56 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Canada has always taken an important role in the advancement of human rights around the world; in fact, a Canadian, John Humphrey, spearheaded the drafting of the Universal Declaration, which has since become a model for laws protecting human rights in many parts of the world. Inspired by the Universal Declaration, Canada adopted the Canadian Human Rights Act in 1977, which in turn created the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Important and positive changes have occurred in our country thanks to this legislation. Over the last 26 years, the Commission has committed itself to equality and has worked steadily to advance the human rights of Canadians. The Commission’s role in the daily lives of Canadians has changed along with society. Over the past year, the Commission has made significant strides in adapting to new challenges in order to serve Canadians better. The changes we have begun will ensure that the Commission can continue to work towards equality for all Canadians. But we still have a long way to go to attain the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Every day around the world, human rights are violated as a result of poverty, inequalities, conflicts, violence, torture and terrorism, as well as diverse forms of intolerance and all types of discrimination. On this Human Rights Day, let us all take a moment to think how each and every one of us can contribute to a better and more humane world.
Mary Gusella
Chief Commissioner
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