The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted to guide people out of conflict and suffering. It was created to bring people together and to never again have people live in fear.
Unifor reaffirms our collective commitments to end Human Rights violations around the globe. Conflict, division and discrimination are perpetuated by a rising tide of hate-based political movements globally. Hate is often masked with false promises of prosperity for some. Inherent in these promises is the scapegoating of another group to draw division between the workers of the world. These divisions discourage collective action to establish environmental, social and economic justice.
“Inequity, intolerance, discrimination, exclusion and hatred threaten us all,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “It is our responsibility to offer an unwavering commitment to stamp out hate from our communities and build an inclusive and prosperous society that includes everyone.”
This year marks the 71st anniversary since the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human Rights Day commemorates the Declaration’s passage, a document formed of unprecedented international cooperation, drafted as the world was learning about the genocide and fascism of World War II.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
“We all need to stand together for justice, equality and peace,” said Christine Maclin, Unifor Human Rights Director. “We are more alike than we are different and standing up for human rights for all is essential.”
Defending and promoting human rights for all is a founding principle of Unifor. The union’s Social Justice Fund is one of many ways in which Unifor provides support to defenders of human rights in Canada and around the globe. The fund promotes and supports the role of trade unions and workers groups in their efforts to strengthen democracy, promote equitable development, and contribute to poverty reduction, social justice and education reform.
To take action in the defense and promotion of human rights for all, Unifor strongly encourages all members to:
- Ensure your local union participates in Unifor Human Rights training.
- On December 10, use Unifor’s social media shareable to highlight the union's human rights work.
- Read the full Unifor Equity Audit and promote the report to your members.
