International Human Rights Day

People will have a chance to reflect on human rights, progress made in the province, and the work that still needs to be done, at this year's International Human Rights Day Event, Wednesday, Dec. 10.

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

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Partners for Human Rights will host Belonging: Celebration 60 Years of Human Rights.

"The focus is really to celebrate the achievements we have made in this province over the last 60 years, while acknowledging that there is still much work to do so that we all feel that we are equal and that we belong," said partners co-chair Sandra Smith Muir. "We are really excited about youth participation in this event because they will be the ones to ensure progress is continued in the future."

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.

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

The event will also feature spoken word, drumming, youth film, and dance presentations, and presentation of the Human Rights Award.

This year, two Human Rights Award winners have been selected. Young filmmaker Logan MacGillvray was chosen for his film Listen to the Children, which will be screened at the event.
Charitable organization reachAbility was chosen for its commitment to increasing awareness of innovative and effective programming for persons living with disabilities.

"I am honoured that my first time presenting the Human Rights Award is to two such deserving recipients," said Krista Daley, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards. "Both recipients are doing positive things to create awareness of human rights, help the people of the province, and ensure Nova Scotia continues to become more inclusive."

Partners will also host a public lecture titled Belonging and Inclusion in the evening, featuring Martha Kuwee Kumsa, faculty of social work, Wilfrid Laurier University. Ms. Kumsa spent 10 years imprisoned in her home country of Ethiopia until Amnesty International and PEN International launched a campaign on her behalf.

The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Windsor Lecture Theatre, Bedford Row Entrance of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax.

An International Human Rights Day event will also take place in the western region of the province on Thursday, Dec. 11. The event will include drumming and dancing presentations and aims to send students a strong reminder of the diversity in society, and the importance of recognizing and respecting differences. It will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Digby Regional High School, 107 Kings St., Digby.

Partners for Human Rights is a network of organizations that work toward a respectful and inclusive community.