For Immediate Release
Human Rights Day 2011
OTTAWA (December 7, 2011) – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) joins the global community in celebrating international Human Rights Day (December 10) by acknowledging and honouring the thousands of people who, in this past year, manifested their opposition to undemocratic governments and worldwide economic inequality by reclaiming their human rights.
“From Cairo to Canada, human rights defenders have made achieving their rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights realized in their respective parts of the world” stated Morel Caissie, President of CASW. “Even more inspiring is how integrated our struggles for human rights are being experienced through the transforming power of social media.”
On Human Rights Day 2011, CASW is encouraging social workers to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in paying tribute to all human rights defenders by getting involved in the global human rights movement.
Social workers are encouraged to join the global conversation on human rights through social media hosted by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday, 9 December at 9:30 A.M (Eastern Standard Time). Join on Facebook to countdown to Human Rights Day with a "30 days and 30 rights" discussion on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or on Twitter #CelebrateRights.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has served as the foundation for expanding human rights protection to the most vulnerable populations” stated Caissie. “It recognizes that inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are foundational to expanding freedom, justice and peace in this world.”
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For more information:
Fred Phelps MSW, RSW
CASW Executive Director
Tel.: 613.729.6668