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www.johnhumphreycentre.org
Vision
The United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights is a vital part of the life
and consciousness of every human being, within a civil
and peaceable world where in human dignity, equality,
and justice reign.
Mission
To make the United Nations Universal Declaration of
Human Rights an essential part of every educational
endeavor in the world.
Meeting the Challenge
"Whereas disregard and contempt
for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which
have outraged the conscience of humankind, and the advent
of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom
of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want
has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the
common people."
-Preamble, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
In 1948, the Canadian lawyer
John Peters Humphrey, the principal author of the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, distilled
the common experience of humankind into a covenant of
peace. The ashes of the Second World War still smouldered.
Technology wedded to barbarism had enabled the slaughter
of humans on an unprecedented scale. Tens of millions
of lives, young and old, fell to the culture of hatred
and violence. The Universal Declaration proclaimed "never
again" as the United Nations adopted a common standard
of dignity and justice for every person in every nation
of the world.
The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, together with the Covenants on Civil and
Political, and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights,
known collectively as the International Bill of Rights,
remains a promise unfulfilled. In the United Nations
Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004), when
Secretary General Kofi Annan proclaims that the highest
duty of the United Nations is to offer freedom from
fear and freedom from want, we pick up the torch John
Humphrey lit more than half a century ago. A new generation
of Canadians embraces the task of carrying forward his
legacy, to instill the values and principles of the
Declaration into the hearts and minds of all, particularly
the young.
Through education, in formal
and informal settings, we aim for the universal recognition,
understanding, promotion and protection of human rights.
This is the raison d'être of the John Humphrey
Centre for Peace and Human Rights. By educating all
people, especially children and youth, about human rights
and fundamental freedoms, we offer opportunities to
promote a universal culture where peace and human rights
will flourish. What better way to build a foundation
for freedom, justice, and peace than to make young people
aware of their basic human rights and responsibilities
thereby empowering them to foster a world of non-violence,
mutual understanding, solidarity and peace?
It may take generations before
the United Nations Universal Declaration for Human Rights
is universally appreciated, accepted and implemented.
Every journey begins with small steps. Join us on this
uncharted road. Together we can move the world closer
to peace.
History of the Centre:
In June 2000, under the guidance
and inspiration of our patrons: John Hume, MP, MEP,
Nobel Laureate, Dr. Margaret Kunstler-Humphrey, M D.,
F R C P, The Right Honourable Antonio Lamer, P C, Former
Chief Justice of Canada, and the Most Reverend Desmond
M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus & Nobel Laureate, the
Board of Directors of the Human Rights Education Foundation
created a Centre for Peace and Human Rights. With the
blessings of Dr. Margaret Kunstler-Humphrey, it was
named after John Peters Humphrey, the principal drafter
of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
The creation of the John Humphrey
Centre for Peace and for Human Rights is based on the
belief that the struggle for human rights is never conclusively
won and that we continually need to reinforce these
rights. Moreover, "for their full observance human
rights must be ensured to all human beings and . . .
this aim cannot be attained unless human rights are
made known to them, particularly through teaching and
education"
Our goal remains the universal
implementation of human rights through education, both
formal and informal. We aim for the universal recognition,
understanding, promotion and protection of human rights.
This is essential to the maintenance and advancement
of peace and the creation of an everlasting culture
of human rights and peace in the world.
For more informaiton about our programs,
contact us or visit our website:
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and
Human Rights
#404A, 10310-102 Avenue
Edmonton, AB, Canada
T5J 2X6
Tel. (780) 453-2638
Fax: (780) 482-1519
Email: info@johnhumphreycentre.org
www.johnhumphreycentre.org
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