“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Since 2010, the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program at TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization has played a central role in organizing the annual Human Rights Week agenda. In collaboration with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), thousands of newcomer students and English language learners have engaged in a wide range of meaningful activities.

These have included workshops, film screenings, assemblies, presentations, and art exhibits—providing opportunities for critical conversations on issues such as racism and racial discrimination, violence against women, children’s rights and responsibilities, workers’ rights, immigrant and refugee rights, housing rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and Indigenous rights.

Participants have also explored the history and evolution of human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the roles of human rights organizations at the international, national, provincial, and municipal levels.

Each year, the Human Rights Week program is led by Settlement Workers in collaboration with school principals, teachers, students, and community partners. It is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and promote the importance of knowing, respecting, and defending human rights as an essential part of our Canadian identity.

Cesar Peralta
Founder and Coordinator, Human Rights Week