Celebrate Your Right to be Treated with Respect and Dignity
December 10, 2009 marks the 61st anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the UN in 1948, this was
the first document in human history that talked about and enshrined the notion that each of us, by virtue of our membership in the human race, are deserving of respectful and dignified treatment. The Universal Declaration also stressed the importance of enshrining these rights in law.
As Canadians, we can be particularly proud of the fact that John Peter Humphrey, from the province of New Brunswick, was the principal author of this document. As we mark this anniversary we can be proud of what we have accomplished in the last 60 years. Basic human rights have improved for many citizens in the world, in particular those that live in Canada.
However, here in Canada our human rights framework and our human rights commissions are under attack. Funding for social justice programs is being cut. Beyond our borders we can see mounting evidence of the lack of respect for the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration.
It was the Holocaust, where the world witnessed how power misused could deprive millions of individuals of their most basic human right, the right to life, that prompted the adoption of the Universal Declaration. Sadly, today we are witnessing a resurgence in the anti-Semitism that allowed the murder of 6 million Jews, as world wide Holocaust deniers and their followers are gaining strength and credibility. Discrimination, racism, homophobia and gender inequality are a daily reality for millions of individuals.
Tolerance and respect for difference is still very much the exception, rather than the rule in the world. Why not make today the day we start thinking about what we can do to promote respect and dignity within our human community? Whatever our differences we all want to be treated with respect. And according to the Universal Declaration, that is our right, no matter who we are or where we live.
Let’s all work together to make that dream of universal respect a reality.
Erica Pinsky, B.A., M.Sc, CHRP, is an engaging and inspirational speaker, author and consultant working with organizations to build respectful and inclusive workplace cultures that attract and retain quality employees. Creative, dynamic and results oriented, Erica is passionate about promoting workplace cultures where employees feel engaged, comfortable and focused on their jobs in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and destructive conflict. Erica’s new book, Road to Respect, Path to Profit gives companies a road map to success in today’s challenging business climate.
