The Declaration has become the heart of international law and has led to the development of a rich body of human rights instruments and treaties around the world, both internationally and domestically. There are more than 80 international treaties that build upon the basic principles set out in the Universal Declaration. In Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms represents our country's approach to implementing the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration.

What makes the declaration important, and continually relevant today, is that it was the first international human rights document to be developed and embraced by people from all regions of the world. Led and principally drafted by Canadian lawyer, John Peters Humphrey, this document overcomes barriers of culture and difference. It articulates a common vision of a global culture of human rights and inclusion in which each person feels a part of the community and is able to contribute fully to the development and well being of the community.

Now, more than ever, when our world is threatened by racial, economic and religious tension, the Declaration and its universal principles must be defended. This website explores themes that showcase the varying ways that the Declaration and human rights contribute to our daily lives today. Along with discussions of current human rights issues, the site shows how domestic legislation and programs reflect and defend the ideas in the Declaration within Canada, and how you can help to make human rights a reality.

Human Rights are Your Rights. Know them, promote them and defend them.

John Peters Humphrey

John Peters Humphrey, a Canadian lawyer educated at McGill, was the principal author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As Director of the Human Rights Division of the United Nations Secretariat, Humphrey worked to develop the Declaration with representatives from around the world including Eleanor Roosevelt. After the ratification of the Declaration in 1948, Humphrey oversaw the implementation of 67 international conventions and the constitutions of dozens of countries.

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The UN was created with the intention of preventing future world wars and atrocities, yet international and civil conflicts persist today. Armed conflict affects the lives of many in countries around the world, and in a post-9/11 atmosphere the issue of security has dominated media headlines and governments' agendas alike. People feel less safe, which leads to more measures being put in place to reduce insecurity.

Here in Canada, current security issues include the treatment of Muslims after 9/11; the controversy over security certificates; and Canada's role in peace building in Afghanistan. Articles 2 and 18 of the Universal Declaration state that everyone is entitled to the specified rights regardless of her or his religion and that everyone has the right to choose his or her religion. Yet since 9/11, some Muslim Canadians have been subjected to suspicion and, along with Jewish Canadians, have experienced increased hostility and discrimination by the public.

Globally, heightened fear has resulted in the indefinite imprisonment of suspected terrorists without trial. This is contrary to Articles 9 and 5 which forbid arbitrary detention and cruel treatment. Security certificates allow government officials to detain and in some cases deport non-Canadian citizens deemed "national threats" to their home countries where they could be at risk of being tortured. Detailed allegations and evidence are kept secret from the public and even from the accused "for security purposes".

Globalization means that we are becoming more and more interconnected with communities worldwide. This means that we have a responsibility to ensure that peace and human rights are enjoyed not only locally, but also internationally. Abroad, Canada is involved in the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Canada, along with other countries and a host of non-governmental organizations, contributes to humanitarian efforts designed to rebuild the social infrastructure of Afghanistan. Canada's international efforts to address poverty, development and conflict through the Canadian International Development Agency, for example, contribute to our image as a peacekeeping country.

Peace and security, however, do not only involve global issues or relate to post 9/11. Within countries, various forms of violence and conflict cause challenges to populations and compromise human rights. In Canada, domestic and gang violence, bullying, discrimination and hate crimes also inhibit the right of people to "life, liberty and security of person". For instance, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth face the fear of aggression from peers. Defamatory actions against minorities fundamentally contradict the security of many individuals in our communities.

The United Nations, through UNESCO, recognizes the value of peace as a fundamental human right. 2001-2010 marked the International Decade for a Culture of Peace, and ongoing work continues to advance the eight key pillars of a culture of peace. Visit their website to learn more and find out how youth can play a part.

It is up to all of us to speak out against violence in our communities and around the world. Take a stand against bullying, take the time to listen to and understand others, and say no to violence. For all of us to enjoy our human rights, we need to respect the rights and value of others.

Learn More! Get Involved!

• Amnesty International Canada. Canada: Security Certificates -- Time for reform. February 14, 2006
• Canadian Culture of Peace Program
• Canadian Council of Muslim Women
• Canadian International Development Agency
• CBC News. Canada's Muslims, an international comparison. February 13, 2007
• CBC News. Canada in Afghanistan. January 22, 2008
• Culture of Peace Initiative
• Égale Canada
• Government of Canada. Protecting Canadians, Rebuilding Afghanistan. April 21, 2008
• Public Safety Canada. Security Certificates. March 10, 2008
• UNESCO Culture of Peace Website

Related International Human Rights Documents

• Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 1948
• Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict, 1974
• Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace, 1984
• Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989
• Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, 1993
• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace, 1995
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, 2000