PEI Human Rights Commission Marks Human Rights Day

December 10, 2002 is International Human Rights Day and marks the 54th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this date in 1948, 48 countries signed the Declaration, which outlines political rights, civil rights, equality rights, economic rights, social rights and cultural rights. Nations around the world have used the Declaration as a blueprint to develop their own human rights laws. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out many of the same rights for Canadians in their relationship with government. The Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights statutes focus on equality rights and discrimination.

The PEI Human Rights Commission continues to be called upon to enforce the equality rights of Islanders in such areas as employment, the provision of services and access to accommodations and public facilities. Citizens filed 68 new complaints with the Commission during the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Employment continues to be the most common situation where complaints arise, while disability and sex (includes pregnancy and sexual harassment) are the most common grounds cited. The Commission remains committed to educating Islanders about their rights and obligations under the PEI Human Rights Act. Information is available to the public in pamphlets, through presentations and on the Commission web site, www.gov.pe.ca/humanrights.

On Human Rights Day, the PEI Human Rights Commission encourages everyone to reflect upon the philosophy underlying the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."