Human Rights Education is an integral part of the right to education and is increasingly gaining recognition as a human right in itself. Knowledge of rights and freedoms is considered a fundamental tool to guarantee respect for the rights of all. Human Rights education is fundamental for addressing the underlying causes of human rights violations, preventing human rights abuses, combating discrimination, promoting equality, and enhancing people’s participation in democratic decision-making processes, resolution of conflict, and can provide a common understanding of how to address political and social differences equitably and celebrate cultural diversity. (UNESCO)

Human Rights Week involves events to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.

Activities during the week are created to celebrate and mobilize awareness in our own rights and emphasize local, national and international human rights issues. We promote activities and educational programs to help newcomers to Canada to explore human rights from a personal, community, national and international perspective by organizing activities for children, youth and adults about the many dimensions of human rights. It is a week to generate public awareness and knowledge about why human rights matter.

Settlement Workers in School – SWIS

Since 2010, Settlement Workers in Schools of TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization have played a key role in the organization of the agenda of the week every year. Thanks to the partnership with the Toronto District School Board – TDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board- TCDSB thousands of newcomer students and ESL learners have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of informative sessions, workshops, film screenings, assemblies, presentations, and art exhibits where we have had important conversations about racism and racial discrimination, violence against women, children rights and responsibilities, worker’s rights, immigrant and refugee rights, housing rights, LGBTQ rights, indigenous rights, and we have learnt together about the history and evolution of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the work of international, national, provincial and municipal human rights organizations and institutions.

Settlement Workers working in partnership with Principals, Teachers, Students and community organizations are the main organizers of the agenda of the week every year. The Human Rights Week is an excellent opportunity to create awareness about the importance to know, respect and defend human rights as part of our Canadian identity.

Thanks to principals, teachers and staff for their great support since 2010:

Toronto District School Board:

• Adult Schools:  City Adult Learning Centre CALC , and Overland Learning Centre.
• Elementary, Middle and High Schools: Greenwood Secondary School, Crescent Town Public School, Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, Monarch Park Collegiate Institute, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, East York Collegiate Institute, York Mills Collegiate Institute, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, SATEC @ W.A. Porter Collegiate Institute, and Thorncliffe Park Public School.

Toronto Catholic School Board:

• Blessed John XXIII Catholic School, Senator O’Connor College School and San Patrick Secondary School.

Partnerships

Thanks to all the great organizations that have supported the Human Rights Week since 2010:

• Amnesty International Toronto Organization
• Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
• Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity ( Formerly Jer’s Vision Canada)
• Canadian Civil Liberties Asociation
• Centre for Equality Rights and Accommodation, CERA
• Children Aid’s Society
• Federation of Metro Tenants Association
• Flemingdon Community Legal Services
• Iranian Women’s Organization
• Ontario Human Rights Commission
• Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• Scarborough Women’s Centre
• South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario
• South Asian Women’s Centre
• St. James Town Community Corner
• Toronto District School Board
• Toronto Catholic District School Board
• Toronto Ombudsman
• Toronto Police 53 Division
• Workers Action Centre

The Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since 2010 presentations, performers, music, and guest speakers are always part of the program to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 2011 – Overland Learning Centre.

Thanks to the support of Grant Reimer, Principal of Overland Learning Centre we had our first Assembly wrapping up a week of events exploring different aspects of the theme of Human Rights. This event was the perfect venue for the Ontario Human Rights Commission to launch a new project designed specifically for new Canadians. On the event day, special guest Barbara Hall, Ontario Human Rights Chief Commissioner, unveiled Arabic and Spanish versions of its popular e-learning module, Human Rights 101. These online resources offer users information on human rights history, principles, legislation and policies.

Dignitaries from  all levels of government (our MP John Carmichael, the Hon. Kathleen Wynne, our MPP at that time) and representatives from the TDSB (Chris Bolton, Chair of the TDSB Board, Gerri Gershon, our Trustee and Penny Mustin, Associate Director) all spoke eloquently about the importance of Human Rights and the need to be vigilant in our efforts to protect individual rights and freedoms and to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The event proved to be a very exciting and educational experience for Overland students.

2012 – Thorncliffe Park Public School.

In 2012,  “Celebrating Human Rights in Canada” was held at Thorncliffe Park Public School. The event was very well attended by the community and dignitaries who highlighted the importance of Human Rights through inspiring speeches. The TNO Board Chair Bill Pashby thanked all the organizers and partners of the week in his speech and welcomed Toronto City Councillor John Parker, MP Don Valley West John Carmichael, Grant Remier Manager of Overland Learning Centre and Kevin Battaglia Principal of Thorncliffe Park Public School for their attendance and support. The agenda of the day included skits prepared by students from Marc Garneau CI, dances by the Senior Filipino Dancing Group of Thorncliffe Park, and the performance of the Chorus of ESL Students of Overland Learning Centre.

2013 – Greenwood Secondary School.

In 2013 Greenwood Secondary School hosted a very inspiring Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The participation and support of the Vice Principal Craig Gerow was crucial in the success of the event. Newcomer youth from Greenwood Secondary School and St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School attended a general assembly where we had the opportunity to enjoy music, performances, speeches, and videos of  newcomer profiles all performed by students –many of which have suffered from discrimination and persecution in their country of origin.- City Councillor Mary Fragedakis, Barbara Hall, Ontario Human Rights Chief Commissioner and Jehad Aliweiwi, Executive Director of TNO inspired students, teachers and community members with very motivational speeches about the past, present and future of human rights, and hopes and dreams for equality and justice.

2014 – Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute.

On December 10^th Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute hosted an Assembly to commemorate the 66^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Nearly 200 ESL high school newcomer students from all around the world attended the event organized by TNO, ESL teachers and students with the great support of Ricky Goldenberg – Principal of the School. Inspirational speeches were part of the celebration after the welcome words of Ms. Goldenberg who talked about the importance to partner with community organizations and community groups to educate on human rights as a tool to reach peace, inclusiveness and respect of our differences. Ahmed Hussein Executive Director of TNO highlighted how important is to work together to bring a message of equality, social justice and human rights in our community and thanked all the organizers of the week activities. Gerry Gerson TDSB School Trustee congratulated the organizers and talked about the commitment of the Toronto District School Board to promote equality, diversity and inclusiveness within the staff, students and the community. Sargent Matt Moyer from the Toronto Police 53 Division gave a great speech about human rights, and stressed the commitment of the Toronto Police to stand against domestic violence. He also asked for a minute of silence to honor the woman and her two sons killed in Thonrcliffe Park at the end of November. City Councillor Jon Burnside highlighted the 2014 United Nations Human Rights Day slogan: #365Rights reminding the participants that every day should be a human rights day. Said Mehran a former United Nations Human Rights Educator from Afghanistan and current student of Overland Learning Centre talked about his experience in his country of origin and the importance to live in a democratic, free and safe country like Canada. Spoken words, music, native dancers, and a very thoughtful art exhibition of work representing the struggles and victories of human rights in Canada were presented by MGCI students. Samosas, cake and coffee were served to culminate the celebration.

2015 – Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute.

December 7th was the date to celebrate Human Rights Day at Marc Garneau Collegiate in an Assembly planned and organized by the Social Justice and Equity Club of MGCI, ESL Teachers and Settlement Workers from TNO. The event was very well attended by 200 newcomer high school students. Ricky Goldenberg, Principal of the School; Bill Pashby, Chair of the Board of Directors of TNO, Mohan Doss, TNO Director of Programs and Services; Sargent Matt Moyer from the Toronto Police 53 Division, and Said Mehran a former UN Human Rights Educator from Afghanistan were the speakers of the day. Shifa Tauqir on behalf of MP Don Valley West Rob Oliphant presented a recognition to Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office for the strong, courageous and constant commitment to human rights and social justice. The recognition was received by Malini Singh, Coordinator of Settlement Services; Malika Shah, Settlement Worker at Marc Garneau CI; and Cesar Peralta, Coordinator of the Human Rights Week. Spoken words, music, and performances by students made the Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights a meaningful celebration of rights and freedoms.

 2016 – Overland Learning Centre

On the morning of December 7th, 2016 Overland Learning Centre hosted an Assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Assembly was very well attended by more than a 200 ESL learners from all around the world. The participation and support of Lisa Kattelus Principal of the School was crucial in the success of the event. Guest Speaker: Duncan Garrow from Amnesty International Toronto Organization gave a very inspirational message about the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the work of Amnesty International worldwide. Message that was very well received by a very engaged audience. To close the commemoration the song “We Shall Overcome” was sang by a group of ESL learners, making this morning a very meaningful commemoration of human rights.

2017 – Overland Learning Centre

This year, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was commemorated at Overland Learning Centre with an assembly attended by over 200 adult ESL learners representing a wide range of cultural and national backgrounds. The central theme of the event was “Parents’ and Children’s Rights.”

Lisa Kattelus, Principal of Overland Learning Centre, opened the assembly with a warm welcome and delivered a thoughtful message emphasizing the Toronto District School Board’s commitment to upholding and protecting the rights of children. Her remarks highlighted the important role educators and school staff play in fostering safe and inclusive environments for all students and their families.

The program continued with a short, engaging video introducing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, followed by a featured presentation by Sarah Singer from the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Her session provided valuable insights into children’s rights and the critical work the organization does to protect and support children and families in the community.

2018 – Overland Learning Centre

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Overland Learning Centre hosted a special assembly attended by more than 180 ESL newcomer learners from across the globe. The theme of the event, “Empathy Through Art,” reflected the power of creative expression to foster understanding, inclusion, and dialogue around human rights.

The assembly featured opening remarks by Lisa Kattelus, Principal of Overland Learning Centre, and Cesar Peralta, Coordinator of Human Rights Week. The keynote speaker, Ahmet Doğan, a journalist from Turkey, delivered a compelling and deeply personal message about his experiences of harassment and persecution in his home country, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of expression and press.

The cultural program showcased remarkable artistic talent from within the Overland community. Sam Mosleh, an ESL instructor and professional dancer, performed the Rumba, celebrating Cuban Rumba as a musical tradition recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Antonio Iglesias, an ESL learner and musician from Cuba, offered a moving rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, echoing the assembly’s themes of peace and shared humanity.

The event concluded with a visual art exhibition by Nahid Vassei Kahdooei, a painter from Iran and current ESL student at Overland, whose work powerfully illustrated the connection between personal expression and universal human rights.

2019 – Overland Learning Centre

On the afternoon of December 4, 2019, Overland Learning Centre hosted a meaningful assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event welcomed more than 180 newcomer ESL learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive space to reflect on the values of equality, dignity, and justice.

The central theme of the assembly focused on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Toronto District School Board’s commitment to upholding and advancing human rights for all.

Following the singing of O Canada, Suzanne Taylor, ESL instructor, delivered a land acknowledgment, accompanied by a brief explanation of its importance in recognizing and respecting the traditional Indigenous territories on which the school stands.

Cesar Peralta provided the welcoming address, emphasizing the significance of knowing, protecting, and promoting human rights as a vital part of Canadian identity. This was followed by a presentation from Lisa Kattelus, Principal of Overland Learning Centre, who spoke passionately about the TDSB’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect for human rights across its schools.

The assembly concluded with a reflective and interactive activity titled “The Human Rights Tree”, where students shared personal reflections on what human rights mean to them, contributing written messages and artwork to a symbolic tree installation. This collaborative display served as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold human rights in everyday life.

2020 – ZOOM

On December 10, 2020, we hosted a meaningful virtual commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, attended by TNO staff, residents of Thorncliffe Park, and learners and educators from Overland Learning Centre.

The event began with a land acknowledgment delivered by Rumana Islam, recognizing the Indigenous peoples on whose traditional territories we live and work. This was followed by Fawzia Haji and Enas Habeeb, who addressed the profound challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic—a global health crisis that has impacted every facet of life while exposing the systemic inadequacies in our social, economic, and political structures. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

We were deeply honoured to welcome The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, MPP for Don Valley West and former Premier of Ontario, as our keynote speaker. Her powerful and reflective message explored the history and evolution of human rights, recognized both achievements and ongoing challenges, and stressed the importance of continued civic engagement to protect and promote human rights within our communities.

Additional remarks were delivered by Malini Singh, Manager of Newcomer Support Services at TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization; Lisa Kattelus, Manager of Overland Learning Centre; and Cesar Peralta, Coordinator of Human Rights Week. Each speaker emphasized the critical role of human rights education in building a safer, more equitable, and inclusive society.

The program also featured moving artistic contributions:
• Fatihat Odunaiya and Azka Arif, students at SATEC @ W.A. Porter Collegiate Institute, recited “The Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou and “But One Country” by Rod Duncan.
• Suwinya Rajapakse and Riyan Mohamed from Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute concluded the event with a heartfelt performance of “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara.

This powerful and emotionally resonant Human Rights Day commemoration was made possible thanks to the dedication and collaboration of Enas Habeeb, Fawzia Haji, Paula Veloso, Rumana Islam, Siham Abosita, Slavica Simic, Vaitheki Sivaram, and Cesar Peralta.

2021 -ZOOM

On December 9, 2021, we commemorated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with our annual Human Rights Day celebration, organized by the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program at TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization. This meaningful virtual event brought together TNO staff, community members, and newcomer students from Overland Learning Centre to reflect on the importance of knowing, protecting, and promoting human rights as a fundamental part of our Canadian identity.

We had the honour of hearing from Ahmed Hussein, CEO of TNO, and were privileged to welcome The Honourable Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as our keynote speaker. Mr. Oliphant delivered a compelling and inspirational message, encouraging all participants to reflect on the progress we have achieved and the ongoing challenges in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

The program also featured a powerful presentation by students from Overland Learning Centre, introduced by Salima Satani, who shared her insights and experiences on human rights education with adult ESL learners. The event was further enriched by a spoken word performance by Shahadda Jack from East York Collegiate Institute (TDSB), and a musical performance by Zi Wang from Senator O’Connor College School (TCDSB).

This meaningful commemoration was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of Wendy Hernandez, Slavica Simic, Fawzia Haji, Rumana Islam, Paula Veloso, Nova Avedian, Mathura Thiagarajah, and Cesar Peralta.