In an historic acknowledgment of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Nova Scotia, led by Premier Tim Houston, has dedicated December 3-10 as Nova Scotia Human Rights Week. This declaration, a pivotal document in global history, established a commitment to safeguard the rights of all individuals.
To mark this significant anniversary, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has organized a week filled with various events and activities focusing on human rights education and celebration.
Brad Johns, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, emphasized the milestone represented by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting its foundational principle that all humans are inherently equal in dignity and rights. Johns also expressed pride in the province’s efforts to dismantle systemic barriers, combat inequities, and eradicate hate.
Nova Scotia has been at the forefront of promoting human rights, as evidenced by its introduction of the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy and the Mi’kmaw Language Act.
These initiatives, particularly recognizing Mi’kmaw as the province’s first language, have been acknowledged in Canada’s fourth Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council. This review is a regular peer assessment of member states’ human rights records.
Joseph Fraser, Director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, stressed the importance of human rights in fostering safe, equitable communities and in upholding the inherent dignity of all individuals. He pointed out that, in a world increasingly divided by polarizing politics, violence, poverty, and a national housing crisis, the principles of human rights law offer a unifying framework.
The week’s events include a collaboration with the Atlantic International Film Festival to provide free access to the Nova Scotia-set film “Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor.”
Additionally, there will be virtual panels discussing trans representation in film, housing and human rights issues, and the 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards ceremony, which will be livestreamed from the Halifax Central Library.
The Human Rights Week also encompasses significant dates such as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, and the International Human Rights Day on December 10.
This celebration comes 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948.
This declaration set a global standard for human rights, emphasizing their universal protection. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission’s website.
