In 1982 the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was established. This Charter indoctrinated the rights and freedoms that we enjoy and benefit from today. Here is a copy of some of the basic rights contained in this Charter:
Noticing the year of the Charter above.. it was only about 30 years ago that our human rights code was officially made law in our country. Part of what makes Canada a FREE country, is not just our Democratic process, but also our belief in our Human Rights Code which we call our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, understand that just because we have this Charter, it doesn't mean that Canada is a perfect country without Human Rights issues! Here in Canada, we continue to question events that occur in this country, in our past, present, and future. As citizens of Canada, we live, work, celebrate, and play, but we also find ourselves responsible for our actions, for each other, how we treat one another, how others treat others, and we continue to think about what it means to live in a FREE country. Every time an individual or a group of individuals publicly question the actions of others in a Human Rights Case, (ie. Take someone to court to 'rule' or judge an issue) Canadians are forced to think again about what is right and wrong. Through these actions, we are constantly refining and fine-tuning our belief system.
As you search for your Human Rights story to tell, consider the following questions:
1. What is the specific Human Rights Violation being violated or questioned and how is this right being violated? (eg. Freedom of association, China's government did not allow for the students to protest against the government in Tianamen Square in the 1980s))
2. Why is nothing being done? OR What is boing done? (eg. protests? Court ruling? police not doing their job?...)
3. Where? When?
4. What is your opinion? How does this story make you feel? Who do you think is 'right'? What do you think should be done?