Canada’s surprising relationship to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Canadian Time Machine

In 1947, Canadian lawyer John Peters Humphrey worked with other members of the Commission on Human Rights to write the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On December 10, 1948, it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris. It’s been over 75 years since this definitive moment, one in which world leaders pledged to do everything in their power to prevent the horrors of World War II from happening again. The Declaration consists of 30 Articles declaring everyone’s equal rights, including those of life, liberty, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression. While there’s a lot to celebrate on this anniversary, it’s also an opportunity to have an honest conversation about the current state of human rights, both around the world, and in Canada. In this episode, human rights historian Dr. Jennifer Tunnicliffe helps us understand the impacts of the Declaration. Hereditary Chief Na’Moks of the Wet'suwet'en Nation also shares his perspective on human rights in Canada, particularly in relation to the treatment of Indigenous peoples.

To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage.

This podcast receives funding from The Government of Canada and is produced by The Walrus Lab.

Check out the French counterpart podcast, Voyage dans l'histoire canadienne.

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