By Linda Robinson,
OPEIU Local 458 & AFL
sHuman Rights & International Solidarity Committee

Recently in Edmonton, 700 delegates from around the world attended a conference to celebrate the 50 years since the adoption of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This golden anniversary celebration was highlighted by a number of well-known and highly respected speakers who have made significant contributions to human rights.

Both UN High Commissioner, Mary Robinson and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have worked tirelessly to bring about major changes in their homelands. Mary Robinson, as President of Ireland, took a traditionally symbolic position and through change and determination began the process for peace in Ireland. Archbishop Tutu, as most of the world knows, was instrumental in achieving the end to apartheid in South Africa.

But for me the highlight was talking with and hearing the stories from other delegates who have actively worked on human rights issues over of the years. It’s easy to feel frustrated, that you don’t have a sense of making a difference, but when you have the opportunity to meet with other activists and know that your small part is having an impact, you leave feeling empowered and ready to continue the fight.

The only disappointing part of the conference was that lack of participation in the Saturday afternoon workshops. These workshops dealt with disabilities, aboriginal peoples, poverty and children’s needs. The United Nations on these very issues is currently bringing Canada to task. With Canada being the host country for this international conference on human rights, these workshops should have had full and active participation by all delegates attending.

We mustn’t lose focus on what in happening in our own country. Though our concerns may not be as horrendous as those of less developed countries, they are no less important. Cuts to social programs, the homeless, poverty, children, the disabled and aboriginal peoples are all issues that Canada must address. These are not special interest groups but Canadian citizens that are entitled to the same benefits as any other citizen.

Sighted people take for granted that when they walk into a room it will be equipped with lights. An able-bodied person doesn’t have to phone ahead to ensure their accommodations are accessible. Men and women shouldn’t have to sleep on the streets. Aboriginal people shouldn’t be made to feel that they have fewer rights. Single mothers shouldn’t have to struggle against a government that puts the deficit first. Children shouldn’t go to bed hungry.