Eugene celebrates immigrant rights as human rights March 19

Eugene’s Human Rights Commission invites the community to a free screening of a short film and celebration of International Human Rights Day Thursday, March 19, at the Farmers Market Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10, 2025, the Human Rights Commission, together with the United for Immigrant Justice network, began sharing a series of web-based short films focusing on human rights issues with the community in honor of International Human Rights Day.

The celebration culminates on Thursday, March 19, with a screening of the film, The Undocumented Lawyer, a conversation with one of the filmmakers, and a community panel of immigrant rights advocates.

(Clip from the trailer for “The Undocumented Lawyer”)

More details on the film series and the upcoming community event are provided in the City’s Events Calendar. 

Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 10 as an international commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

António Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, said of the 2025 Human Rights Day: “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 free celebration will culminate with on Thursday, March 19, at the Farmers Market Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Community members can learn from community panelists and discuss human rights. More details on the film series and community event are provided in the city’s Events Calendar. 

The city of Eugene is committed to human rights in the municipal code. The mission of the Human Rights Commission 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.  

Read by Robin Bloomgarden for KEPW Newsday.