Vancouver - The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, on International Human Rights Day.
“December 10, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of two important international laws that have shaped the landscape of human rights around the world: the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Collectively, these laws outline the rights and freedoms we deem vital to the well-being and protection of people across the globe.
The ICCPR protects right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial.
The ICESCR grants economic, social, and cultural rights, including labour rights and the right to health, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living.
While our own country is a signatory to the ICCPR, it has yet to puts commitment behind the important rights in the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.
The BC Federation of Labour joins the ongoing call in Canada for our federal government to finally ratify this critical covenant. As a provincial labour federation we have a strong tradition of fighting for the economic, social, and cultural rights of British Columbians and Canadians. And, we look to the federal government to be a partner in establishing these rights in every aspect of society.
Today, on International Human Rights Day we celebrate the wins we have made in our local, national and global communities, and we also resolve to continue our work to further Human Rights at every level of society.
Together we can build a more just world.”