Message Ahead of Human Rights Day – December 10, 2022
Dear Families,
On Saturday, December 10, 2022, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) will join organizations around the world in recognition of Human Rights Day 2022.
This year’s celebration will be particularly special for two important reasons.
First, Human Rights Day 2022 will be the first time that HWDSB is acknowledging this important day with having adopted our own Human Rights Policy in place.
The Human Rights Policy signals HWDSB’s commitment to establish effective processes that help foster an environment where human rights are protected. The development of the policy included extensive community input, with over 200 participants across 27 engagement sessions, 771 survey responses, and multiple focus group discussions.
The Human Rights Policy supports all members of the HWDSB community in understanding their responsibilities to uphold human rights in learning and working spaces. Staff members have been able to explore important topics related to human rights and the new policy during various learning sessions this fall and winter.
Secondly, Human Rights Day 2022 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the reason we recognize the date in the first place.
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the landmark UDHR document. The UDHR proclaims the inherit rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. It is available in over 500 different languages, making the UDHR the most translated document in the world.
The declaration consists of 30 articles outlining basic human rights, including rights to life, rights to education, rights to organize, rights to be treated fairly, rights to freedom of opinion, expression, thought and religion, and other rights.
As outlined in Article 26 of the UDHR, Education is a human right on its own. However, Education is also an essential means of realizing other human rights. As education providers, we are tasked with responsibilities to empower and prepare students for their role in society as engaged and responsible citizens.
Human Rights Day is a chance for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to co-creating learning and working environments free of discrimination and harassment. The day is also an opportunity for us to reflect and learn more about human rights and our own roles and responsibilities in fostering a culture of human rights where we work, learn, and play.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Yohana Otite
Director of Education Human Rights and Equity Advisor
Resources:
United Nations – Human Rights Day 2022
United Nations – Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Ontario Human Rights Commission – Watch children and youth ask us about their rights
Canada – Ways to Celebrate Human Rights Day
Updated on Friday, December 09, 2022.