“Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems.
No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest
order.”
Navi Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Globally, almost one in ten people is a person living with a disability. More than 55% of working-age
adults with disabilities are unemployed.
We are all vulnerable. If you aren’t living with a disability, that could change in an instant. Many of us
have found out, unfortunately, that after years of hard work for an employer, even a short term injury may
dramatically alter an employer’s attitude. Injured workers are often treated as frauds and liabilities.
Unions continue to fight for human rights legislation and for protection in our contracts. The Harper
government, unlike many other countries, has still not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities. We must exert pressure on the government to ratify this convention and eliminate barriers
for people with disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd aims to promote an
understanding of disability issues and the rights of persons with disabilities and bring the integration of
persons with disabilities into every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of our
community
December 10 – Human Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted 61 years ago. It was the first of its kind to
recognize civil, social, economic and political rights as universal human rights. It is a contract between
governments and their peoples.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was inspired by the Declaration.
Our union has joined other activists to protect fundamental rights such as access to employment, housing,
education, health care, clean water and a healthy environment.
We need to individually and collectively:
Speak out against racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and other injustices.
Support human rights struggles here and around the world.
Educate ourselves on what is happening in our communities and wider world.
