Today is Human Rights Day, the annual anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year the focus is on discrimination and the need to eliminate it so all can be "free and equal in dignity". Its an issue that needs highlighting, given data from StatisticsNZ showing that one in ten New Zealanders was discriminated against in the last year, and cases such as that of Rangiora New Life School. The Human Rights Commission is taking the opportunity to highlight its work in resolving these issues - and if more people used it, rather than meekly accepting bad treatment from employers, businesses, and government, then there'd be a lot less discrimination in our society.
If you want to celebrate Human Rights Day, Amnesty International is holding a party in Auckland, and there is a Human Rights Fiesta in Wellington. They'll also be announcing the winner of their Human Rights Defender Award tonight. Will it be Sue Bradford? Or one of the other worthy candidates (because they're all worthy)? We'll find out later tonight...
