UN Human Rights Day

By Eric Fung

On Thu., Dec. 5, celebrations for the United Nations International Human Rights Day arrive at the U of C.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre Executive Director Linda McKay-Panos. “We invite anyone who wants to celebrate human rights, especially students and the community who have always shown support for these celebrations.”

The ACLRC, a non-profit, non-governmental organization providing legal education to the public, organized the activities in conjunction with the Faculties of Communication and Culture and Law and the Committee on Race Relations and Cross Cultural Understanding.

“This is an event to commemorate the signing of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” said McKay-Panos. “It also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre.”

Although the 54th anniversary of the signing is on Dec. 10, most activities will be held on campus on Dec. 5 to avoid conflicts with final exams. Highlights include the screening of Refugees and Discrimination, a film examining refugee youths; the presentation of the Civil Liberties Award to the ACLRC; and a panel discussion. The latter will feature four individuals who have studied the media and its impact on human rights: Satya Das, formerly of the Edmonton Journal; Michael Keren from the Faculty of Communication and Culture; Gillian Steward, formerly of the Calgary Herald; and Maryam Nabavi of Research Against Racism.

McKay-Panos said human rights are relevant to all. Dignity, the UN has stated, is the foundation of freedom and peace worldwide.

“Human rights are important to everyone,” said McKay-Panos. “We have issues at home. They may not be life or death, but we still have issues in Canada.”

The U of C’s celebrations will happen Dec. 5 from 4-6 p.m. in Murray Fraser Hall 2370.