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Human Rights Day (HRD) 2009 which is being observed today worldwide focuses on non-discrimination as it is recognized that millions around the world are still struggling against discrimination.
The day is an occasion when all who are concerned about discrimination can highlight activities to bring awareness by joining hands to end discrimination through observance of HRD.
Here in the BVI, Related by Humanity celebrates HRD by appealing to all organizations to use the occasion to examine their policies and programs to determine if they are in keeping with Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles, and to make the changes where necessary to bring them in line to reflect “equal rights and justice”.
Related by Humanity was established in 2008 and is the brainchild of its founder, Sandra Phillip Hodge.
In a release, it was stated that in considering that people tend to be generally unaware of, or display a negative attitude towards the idea of `human rights´ when someone tries to assert their rights, “it was decided that an organization such as Related by Humanity was needed to help spread awareness and appreciation for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with the understanding that human rights are natural, God-given rights that should not be overlooked in any aspect of life.”
The mission of the organization is to promote all aspects of the principles outlined in the UDHR, “to facilitate knowledge of personal rights, freedoms, privileges and responsibilities…and to particularly work with young people through coordination with schools, churches, clubs, young people´s groups and the `unattached youth´ to help with issues pertaining to such rights and privileges,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday Government stated that the Attorney General´s Chambers will this month begin the process of civil society consultations on a draft Human Rights Bill. Some of the consultations will be carried over into early January 2010.
The Chambers will work collaboratively with the Law Reform Commission and Sister Islands Coordinator, Mr. Vincent Wheatley in hosting the consultations on Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.
Attorney General Hon. Kathleen Quartey said, “It is envisaged that the implementation and monitoring of these rights will be entrusted to an independent body and accordingly, the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Human Rights Commission.”
Everyone can make a difference, “You are encouraged to celebrate Human Rights Day by advocating non-discrimination [in the country´s laws, for example], organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities on 10 December and throughout 2010″, says the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.
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