UNITED NATIONS & THE DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACS 11

WHAT IS THE UN?  The UN is an international organization founded in  Currently has 193 Member States  The UN headquarters is located in NYC  2015 marks the 70 th anniversary of the UN.

UN CON’T  UN can take action on issues confronting humanity in the 21 st century.  Some actions are: keeping peace & security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, and food production.  Example: Nepal Earthquake  The video clip will give you a breakdown of different terms (UN, EU, UNICEF, WHO, IMF etc.) 

UN – HUMAN RIGHTS

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS  This declaration was adopted by the United Nations on Decemeber 10th 1948, after World War Two  Declares that human rights are universal – to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live 

ARTICLE ONE IN THE DECLARATION  All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood

ARTICLE FOUR  No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms

PAIR AND SHARE: DISCUSSION (10 MINUTES)  Reference your textbook sheet  How close is the world to upholding these articles? In what ways is the spirit of these articles both maintained and ignored in our world today? Think of 2 examples.

DECADE LONG THEME OF  The United Nations declared this decade as the International Decade for People of African Descent  Theme is “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development”

OBJECTIVES OF PROCLAMATION:  To strengthen national, regional and international action an cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African Descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society  To promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies  To adopt and strengthen national, regional and international legal frameworks in accordance with Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to ensure their full and effective implementation.

DURBAN DECLARATION  General Assembly meeting was held in Durban, Africa in August 31 st - September 8 th, 2001  This meeting brought up various other proclamations and declarations, however this meeting was a world conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance  Xenophobia defined: a fear of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NOVA SCOTIA 

INITIATIVES TAKEN IN NS  Community Voices: There are 5 programs that are encouraging African Nova Scotians to share their stories about their history to promote communities and achievements within certain families  Grant Program: Certain charitable and non-profit organizations can apply for grants to support African Nova Scotian programs and projects  Brotherhood Initiative: this initiative is designed to create health clinics to meets to needs of African Nova Scotian men 

AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN AFFAIRS  The video clip and the programs discussed are all to embrace African Canadian culture  These programs and initiatives exist to encourage people who are African Descent to share their stories, history, and current achievements  As Canadians we want to celebrate and learn the most we can about cultures, so having workshops in schools and for the public is a way where we all can learn

LOOKING BACK AT THE UNITED NATIONS INITIATIVE  How realistic is this initiative? Discuss with the person next to you  Will the UN face challenges when trying to advance this initiative? Examples  Will this initiative continue to be implemented and strong or do you think otherwise?