1. PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS – Rights that are considered basic to life in any human society. This concept can vary from society to society. THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT Human rights became a global issue after WW II UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS -backed by the UN after -“all human beings are born free & equal in dignity & rights”. -Most countries have agreed to these principles. -Problem – the only power the UN has is ‘world attention.’ -Not part of binding international law. INTERNATIONAL COURTS AND TRIBUNALS 1946 International Court of Justice (Both parties had to agree) 2002 a more permanent International Criminal Court established. USA, China & others opposed (internal courts sufficient) World Abuses 1870-1996Canada’s Indian Act & Residential Schools 1900-69 Australia ‘Stolen Generation’ 1924-53 Stalin 1939-45 Holocaust 1948-94 Apartheid 1959-? Chinese occupied Tibet 1971-79 Dictatorship in Uganda 1989 Tiananmen Square China 1991-99 Civil War Sierra Leone 1992-95 Bosnian War 1994 Rwandan Genocide 2004 Darfur genocide Stalin’s Purges Apartheid Residential Schools Protest in China Rwandan Genocide

2. HUMAN RIGHTS IN CANADA CANADIAN BILL OF RIGHTS – 1960 Formally recognized Can. Rights held by common law. Problem – ‘No teeth’ -> Could be changed like any other law. Did not override Fed. Or Prov. laws. CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS & FREEDOM ‘The Bill of Rights with ‘teeth’ -> Trudeau included in Constitution. Limiting The Charter – Reasonable Limits (Keegstra’s teachings on Holocaust) Notwithstanding Clause – Fed. & Prov. Leg. have final say (Bill 101) THE CHARTER IN ACTION Fundamental Freedoms Conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, expression, assembly, & association. Mobility Rights (Free movement) No extradition for death penalties, Effects of 9-11. Equality Rights Race, origin, colour, religion, sex, age, disability. Exceptions – Affirmative action – protects minority rights & disadvantaged. Legal Rights Arrest procedures, questioning, search & seizure. Gurbaj Singh Kirpan in school issue James Keegstra Alberta teacher who taught hatred (Holocaust) THE SUPREME COURT & THE RULE OF lAW Delwin Vriend School teacher fired for being gay by a religious private, school in Alberta Do airport scanners violate your rights? Other Issues Concert goers Abortion Public cameras Pregnacy Radar cameras Gay Marriage, TRUANT’S GOLDEN RULE – “Life, Liberty, & Security ” Diefenbaker Trudeau

3. Advocating your rights Federal Human Rights Legislation Covers Fed. Regulated Business Banks, airlines, Canada Post, & National Media B.C. Human Rights Code Discrimination (age, ancestory, colour, family/marital status, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation. Employment, tenancy, property, accommodation, services, public facilities, & hate propaganda. A Tribunal hears complaints (2009 = 1100) Supreme Court (Highest Court) PM/GG appointed from all regions. Sets Precedent for the country. Aboriginal Rights Residential Schools, poverty, treaty issues, education, fishing. Gender Equity Less pay, out # CEOs, > part time, Preferential Hiring Affirmative action vs. reverse discrimination. Children’s Rights Ministry of Children & Family Dev’t 2007 = 1 in 10 children living in poverty. Debate – less taxes, affordable child care, housing, schools Gender Equity vs. Preferential Hiring Tenant vs. Landlord Rights Can you recall any recent media stories?