Eugene marks International Human Rights Day Dec. 10

Speaker On Dec. 10, 77 years ago, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Speaking Dec. 8 for the Eugene Human Rights Commission, Cynthia Cannon Poindexter:

Cynthia Cannon Poindexter I am here on behalf of your Human Rights Commission. I am standing next to our chair, Dr. Silky Booker.

Every Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day, an international commemoration of the unanimous adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations in 1948. This document compiled for the first time what local and national governments must do for and must not do to their residents.

The bedrock of this framework is the concept that each and every individual, regardless of status, without exception, has the right to dignity, respect, security, privacy, freedom, and a cultural identity. Human rights are civil, political, economic, social, and cultural. They are innate in and permanent for every human being and designed to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Likewise, Eugene’s city ordinance on human rights acknowledges the worth of each Eugenian and commits to an inclusive and just community. Alarmingly, at this time, locally, nationally, globally, we are once again experiencing grave violations of our human rights.

The people of Eugene have an opportunity on this Human Rights Day to reflect on history, be advocates in the present, and commit to a future where each person is guaranteed the basics needed to sustain life and is treated with dignity and equality on a healthy and peaceful planet. The Eugene Human Rights Commission appreciates your attention to these issues, and we are very grateful for your proclamation for Human Rights Day. Thank you.

Speaker The city’s proclamation during the Dec. 8 meeting said, ‘Eugene is a Human Rights City and acknowledges there is more to be done, as a city in which the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration inform and guide the daily lives of everyone in our community to the benefit of all.’

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said: “Nearly 80 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights defined what every person needs to survive and thrive. It was a philosophical and political breakthrough, and it has been the bedrock of our global community ever since. Human rights — civil, political, economic, social, and cultural — are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent.

“But recent years have brought a shrinking of civic space. We have grave violations that signal a flagrant disregard for rights, and a callous indifference to human suffering. Together, we have the power to confront these injustices: by protecting the institutions that make human rights a lived reality….

“This work depends on all people, everywhere, taking a stand. When we protect the most vulnerable, when we refuse to look away, when we speak up for the institutions that speak up for us, we keep human rights alive. Our rights should never take second place to profit or power. Let us unite to protect them, for the dignity and freedom of all.”  

The city of Eugene is committed to human rights in the municipal code. The mission of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is to promote the implementation of universal human rights values and principles in all city of Eugene programs and throughout the community. Human rights commissioners are community members appointed by City Council. The HRC focuses on its City Council-approved work plan, community matters, and working within city government and acts according to its bylaws. Additional information is available on the Human Rights Commission webpage.