International Human Rights Day

On Dec. 10, 1948, United Nations members signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and pledged human rights and dignity for all people.

Partners for Human Rights is marking this historic event by hosting its annual International Human Rights Day event on Monday, Dec. 10. This year's event, Human Rights in Nova Scotia: Past, Present and Future - Sixty Years and Counting, will launch 2008 as the 60th anniversary year for the declaration.

"With the 60th year since the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaching, we felt this was an opportunity to focus on how far we have come, but also acknowledge that we still have more work to do," said Sandra Smith Muir, co-chair of Partners for Human Rights. "The focus of the event is really positive change."

The International Human Rights Day event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Common Room at the Dartmouth Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth, and feature speakers from the aboriginal, youth and African Nova Scotian communities and musical entertainment. Bev Bonvie from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will also reflect on how human rights has evolved from a personal prospective of 30 years of working with the commission.

The event will begin with the signature Harmony Breakfast, which gives people an opportunity to meet with other community members over a continental buffet.

This year, two Human Rights Award winners have been selected. Janice Smith, co-chair of the Uniacke Square Tenants' Association, was chosen for reflecting her community's work to improve the opportunities for all members against discrimination and exclusion.

The Cole Harbour Boys and Girls Club was chosen because of its commitment to include people with disabilities and its dedication to all types of families, including low-income and single-parent families.

"Both Human Rights Award winners are incredibly deserving," said Michael Noonan, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "We have an individual who works tirelessly to improve opportunities for members of her community, and an organization that provides child-care options for groups that are often faced with many challenges.

"Both are positive role-models for human rights and in their communities."

In addition to the Dartmouth event, celebrations will be held around the province. In Sydney, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Affirmative Action Committee and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will host the 12th annual Tom Miller Human Rights Award ceremony on Monday, Dec. 10. This year's award recipient will be Edgar MacLeod, chief of the Cape Breton Regional Police Force, who is being honoured for recognizing that human rights must be protected by the law and promoting education initiatives in the community.

The Sydney event will also feature the winners of the International Human Rights Day School Contest and feature Dan Christmas as keynote speaker. The event will take place at the Ukrainian Hall, Sydney.

The Tri-County Regional School Board, the office of the Immigration Information Navigator for the Tri-County Region, and the western office of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission are working together to bring a series of presentations to high schools in the region. Reem Majdalawieh, a Yarmouth woman of Islamic faith, will talk about Islam and the rights of Muslim women at Digby Regional High School on Monday, Dec. 10, and Shelburne Regional High School on Monday, Dec. 17.

Partners for Human Rights had operated as Partners Against Racism for more than 15 years. The committee will continue to work toward a respectful and inclusive community.