THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

21 April 1997

Dear Mr. McLean,

After learning from my colleagues about all your efforts to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration, I hasten to send you this brief note of thanks and appreciation. It is indeed good to know that UNA Canada continues to benefit from your rich experience and deep understanding of international affairs. I am sure your proposals and recommendations will be carefully considered.

Yours sincerely,

Kofi A. Annan

Hon Walter F. McLean, P.C., LL.D. UNA of Canada Waterloo ROUTING SLIP FICHE DE TRANSMISSION

TO:

DE- VG Room No. — No de bureau Extension — Poste Date 16/4/97 FOR ACTION POUR SUITE A DONNER FOR APPROVAL POUR APPROBATION FOR SIGNATURE POUR SIGNATURE FOR COMMENTS POUR OBSERVATIONS MAY WE DISCUSS? POURRIONS-NOUS EN PARLER ? YOUR ATTENTION VOTRE ATTENTION AS DISCUSSED COMME CONVENU AS REQUESTED X SUITE A VOTRE DEMANDE

NOTE AND RETURN NOTER ET RETOURNER FOR INFORMATION POUR INFORMATION

Please find attached a short summary ofth the UNA-Canada report. 90% of UNA-Canada proposals have domestic connotations. There are references to the United Nations, but initiatives should first come from the Canadian Government.

COM.6 (2-78) Summary of "Promises to Keep"

A Report on the National Consultation to Determine the Interest of Canadians in Commemorating the 50th Anniversary (1998) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The consultations conducted by UNA-Canada involved hundreds of Canadian organizations, parliamentarians and individuals in all ten provinces and 15 cities across the country.

The report notes that for nearly fifty years, "the Universal Declaration has been a vibrant, moral conscience to the world community". It also points out "the remarkable accomplishments of Canadian jurist John Peter Humphrey from Montreal who prepared the initial draft of the Universal Declaration".

The authors remind of the critical necessity of involving youth and the "next generation of leaders and citizens" in commemorating the anniversary of the Universal Declaration especially with a view of the importance of re-engendering Canada as "a caring community" who has numerous "promises to keep in our own backyard".

They recommend:

That the Government of Canada commit itself to marking the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998 and call upon the United Nations and the international community to mark this in an appropriate and public manner;

That the Minister of Foreign Affairs appoint a Special Envoy to the United Nations and to the Commission for Human Rights to assist it in undertaking initiatives to mark the Anniversary and that a national enabling structure be established staffed by a secretariat of paid and seconded staff;

That financial assistance be made available by the Government of Canada using a matching- dollar-formula with the provinces and a special fund be launched in order to encourage other nations to contribute to enable the UN Human Rights Centre to operate with greater effectiveness;

That the Government of Canada, in cooperation with the United Nations, convene a well- publicized Special Meeting of Experts to consider the most appropriate means to promote human rights and discourage the proliferation of hatred and discrimination through the electronic media and on the Internet in particular, and finally

That the United Nations be approached about producing memorabilia for the Year.

The report emphasizes that at all levels in Canada, there are questions about the role of the United Nations and its effectiveness. Suggestions are made that in 1998 Canada should invite governments to examine the role of the United Nations and civil society "following Vienna and Beijing". More attention should also be given to the two UN Decades on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and on Human Rights Education. The report concludes with the following observation: "Canada agrees that human rights should rank among the internal affairs of states - indeed among their highest priorities."

VG/16 April 1997 CANADA

HON. WALTER F. McLEAN, P.C., LL.D. April 14, 1997 Ms. Katharine F. Hoffman, Senior Officer Executive Office* of the Secretary-General United Nations Secretariat New York 10017, U.S.A. Re: 50th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Dear Ms. Hoffman: Thank you for your letter of March 15 in reponse to my letter to the Secretary-General. As Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights of the United Nations Assocation of Canada, I was able to secure funding from several sources in order to consult with the federal government, the ten provinces, the federal- provincal statutory instruments and organizations and with associations concerned broadly with human rights. I enclose a copy of my report and recommendations - in English and in French. The matter was raised at the August meeting of the Provincial Premiers. You will note that a number of recommendations encourage the Government of Canada to lead in organizing an international observance of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. I would be happy to work with the Secretary-General in organizing and encouraging international events to mark the 50th anniversary. As my earlier correspondence indicated, I was member of the Canadian delegation to the UN General Assembly for right years and a founder and chair of Parliamentarians' Global Action. I would bring my significant networks and expertise to bear in support of an international effort that the Secretary- General might initiate. Please convey my warm best wishes to your Secretary-General Annan. Yours >s incer ely ,

Hon. Walter McLean, P.C., Encl .

122 AVONDflLE AVENUE SOUTH, WATERLOO, ONTARIO, CANADA N2L 2C3 TEL: (519) 578-5932 • FAX: (519) 578-7799 United Nations Association in Canada Association canadienne pour les Nations Unies

"...PROMISES TO KEEP..."

A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE THE INTEREST OF CANADIANS IN COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1998) OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The Honourable Walter F. McLean, PC, LL.D. Peter-Andre Globensky Chair, Standing Committee on Human Rights Executive Coordinator United Nations Association in Canada The Declaration Project

Produced in collaboration with Magda Seydegart and Elizabeth Smith of South House Exchange

Ottawa July 1996

130 Slater, Suite 900, Ottawa, Ontario KIP 6E2 4 Tel: (613) 232-5751 + Fax: (613) 563-2455 + Email: [email protected] Charitable Registration No, 021960029 / W d'organisme de charite 021960029 Acknowledgements

The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-C) gratefully acknowledges the participation and contribution of Canadian non-governmental organizations, aboriginal groups, statutory human rights and related agencies, premiers and members of provincial and federal cabinets, parliamentarians, and the large number of academics, professionals and other interested citizens, who contributed in the preparation of this report. We hope it accurately reflects the interest, enthusiasm and commitment expressed by all.

This comprehensive survey would not have been possible without the engagement and active support of the staff and Board members of the UNA-C, in particular the contributions of Wendy Lange, Joan Broughton, Angus Archer and many others in all parts of Canada who assisted us in planning the numerous consultations. Magda Seydegart of South House Exchange of Ottawa, along with her colleagues Trudi Thomae and Elizabeth Smith were most helpful in planning and conducting focus groups and compiling and presenting cohesive text from a jumble of notes.

We also wish to thank the federal Department of Canadian Heritage, the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, the Charles R. Bronfman Foundation, Via Rail Canada, the Humanities Fund of the United Steelworkers of Canada, FEDEX Canada, Stuart Realty, the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, and, of course, the United Nations Association in Canada for their financial support to the endeavour.

We trust that the enthusiasm generated by participants and respondents has found its way onto the pages of this report and that it will transform political interest into political will.

"...but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep."

Robert Frost, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Table of Contents

Acknowledgments i Table of Contents ii Abbreviations iii

Executive Summary 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 9

2.0 BACKGROUND 11

3.0 METHODOLOGY 12

4.0 KEY THEMES 13 4.1 Youth Participation 14 4.2 Diversity 15 4.3 Economic and Social Rights 15 4.4 Civil Society 16 4.5 Aboriginal Participation 16 4.6 Privacy and Technology 17 4.7 Role of the UN 17

5.0 KEY CONDITIONS 17 5.1 Community-Level Initiative 18 5.2 A Supporting Structure to Publicize Issues and Events 19 5.3 A Special Partner: Youth 20

6.0 CHOICES FOR AN ENABLING STRUCTURE 21 6.1 Purpose and Function 21 6.2 Anticipated Outcomes 22 6.3 Composition of the National Structure 22 6.4 National Secretariat 23 6.5 Financial Resources 23

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 23

8.0 IDEAS BANK: 101 WAYS TO COMMEMORATE 50 YEARS 26

Annex A: List of Interviewees and Questionnaire Respondents Annex B: Sample Questionnaire (Both annexes are available upon request) Abbreviations

CASHRA Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies

NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights

UN United Nations

UNA-C United Nations Association in Canada "...PROMISES TO KEEP...1

A REPORT ON THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE THE INTEREST OF CANADIANS IN COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1998) OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Executive Summary

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed at the United Nations on December 10, 1948 is one of the most important international initiatives of the 20th century. Its unanimous adoption by the General Assembly was a remarkable achievement. It, at once, transcended the disparate political ideologies of the day while drawing upon the universal principles inherent in diverse religious and cultural traditions. For nearly fifty years the Universal Declaration has been a vibrant, moral conscience to the world community. It provides international norms and standards to which the international community is expected to adhere and by which to condemn the actions of nation-states that trample the rights of their own citizens.

The values we share - respect for the rule of law and the dignity of the person, fairness and equitable treatment, tolerance and the acceptance of diversity and the fundamental principle of democratic participation are inherent both in our Canadian human rights legislation and in the Universal Declaration. However, to the relatively few Canadians familiar with its existence, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a somewhat "distant and esoteric document replete with fine sounding principles and noble aspirations."

The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA - Canada) asked the Chair of its Standing Committee on Human Rights, the Honourable Walter McLean, if he would undertake a process of national consultation to determine the interest among Canadians in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration by participating in activities and concrete programmes of action during 1998 that could demonstrate the practical application of the Universal Declaration in our everyday lives. If the overall response was deemed to be positive, the results of the consultations would then be used to transform political interest into political will, to encourage the governments of Canada and the provinces to create the necessary conditions to mark this important anniversary in a meaningful and substantive manner. METHODOLOGY

To anchor this "Declaration Project", the Chair of the Standing Committee secured the seconded services of Peter Andre Globensky, a senior staff member of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. Financial assistance was obtained from the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage, the CRB Foundation, VIA Rail and other contributors. An Ottawa-based consultancy, South-House Exchange was engaged to assist in the process.

The national consultation strategy focused on direct interviews with critical stakeholders across Canada. These included individual interviews and focus group or round table meetings with three key constituencies: non-government organizations, community groups and First Nation communities working in the fields of social justice and human rights; statutory human rights agencies including Human Rights Commissions and Offices of the Ombudsman; and, the political leadership (legislative and executive) at the federal and provincial level, including ministers responsible for human rights and numerous parliamentarians. The process was further complemented by the distribution of a comprehensive questionnaire soliciting response.

Structured interviews, focus group meetings and consultations were held in 15 cities in all 10 provinces across Canada. Over 350 representatives of non-government organizations representing a broad spectrum of Canadian civil society were consulted. In all, eight of ten provincial ministers responsible for human rights were consulted as were the Premier of Manitoba, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the House Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights along with numerous federal and provincial parliamentarians and senior government officials. Messrs. McLean and Globensky also met with all statutory Human Rights agencies and Offices of the Ombudsman. Six additional focus groups were organized in Ottawa including a most impressive and encouraging consultation with youth. The consultation process began in February of 1996 and was completed in June of the same year.

FINDINGS

The national consultation determined that interest in commemorating -the anniversary is significant at all levels. Responses in all cases were "beyond polite" and ranged from enthusiasm to full commitment permitting us to conclude that their is a broad sentiment throughout the country that human rights are "front and centre values" which define the essence of our identity as Canadians. As such they should never be misconstrued as the preserve of a special interest group. A number of key themes emerged from the consultations. First and foremost, stakeholders and participants underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive, attractive, educational and memorable communication strategy at the national and local level that would "tell the stories of human rights and the Universal Declaration" so that as large an audience as possible could relate to and be informed by the messages communicated. Strong was the desire to allow people to tell their own stories ... to talk about the contribution that Canadians have made to foster the spirit of human rights in their own communities. To allow all Canadians, for example, to share their pride in the remarkable accomplishments of Canadian jurist John Peter Humphrey from Montreal who prepared the initial draft of the Universal Declaration. As important, participants stressed the critical necessity of involving youth and the "next generation of leaders and citizens" in commemorating the anniversary of the Universal Declaration. In fact, the preoccupation was both consistent and overwhelming. Numerous creative strategic approaches were suggested to reach young people both through the "formal" process of education (curriculum, print information) and the informal or extracurricular channels (music, gatherings, hobbies and interests). MuchMusic, for example has renewed its interest in creating programming that would reflect and attract youth interest in human rights.

Numerous other themes emerged in our discussions, foremost among them a utilization of the Anniversary as a year of activities (10 December 1997 -10 December 1998) that would remind Canadians of the rights, advantages and challenges of a diversified multicultural, multifaceted society. A participant in the Fredericton round table reminded us that "we celebrate any number of days in the year around which human rights activities could be organized - International Women's Day, Day to End Racial Discrimination, Aboriginal Heritage Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, etc."

Cited as frequently and reflecting current policies of redefining social programmes and expenditures was a concern among participants for the social and economic rights of Canadians and other citizens of the world community. Suggestions were made to provide opportunities for Canadians to share their stories of economic self-sufficiency and survival in a world seemingly overtaken by a preoccupation with bottom-lines.

Also frequently mentioned was the perceived importance of re-engendering Canada as "a caring community, where the enjoyment of rights also exact concomitant responsibilities to our fellow citizens." That 1997 is the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Citizenship Act gave all reason to pause and consider the linkages between rights and responsibilities. Additional themes related to the continuing plight of aboriginal peoples in Canada and the numerous "promises to keep in our own backyard." Concerns and programme ideas also emerged on the questions of privacy and technology and the role and effectiveness of the United Nations in defending human rights within the world community. Capitalizing on Canada's deserved international reputation in this arena, proposals were put forth as well, for international action that the government of Canada could undertake to mark the Declaration year. One participant suggested that Canada host an international conference that would examine the emerging role between the United Nations and civil society.

KEY CONDITIONS

In suggesting themes, approaches and ideas for activities, many Canadians were careful to dramatically underscore a process that would encourage success in this endeavour. Participants informed us that if this commemoration is going to work, if the anniversary is going to be marked with activities of substance, a number of conditions would be fundamental:

First, programmes and activities will have to emerge from the level of the local community. A top- down approach will not work. Something "laid-on" from central Canada will be counter-productive. Communities contain natural coalitions or constituencies that could come together when needed to create the kind of programming that would be most meaningful and relevant. Secondly, we were told repeatedly that national and provincial structures created to mark the year are essential, but their role would be to act as a clearing house of information, to provide resources, and to "excite and incite," but not to organize community-level activities. The predominant role of a national structure to commemorate the year would be to develop a comprehensive communications strategy to "market human rights and the Universal Declaration" to the public and to provide support for a modest number of national programmes developed by national organizations or institutions. The recommendations and appendices suggest the creation of a national enabling structure where provincial and regional representation would be assured and where its function is essentially supportive and facilitative.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It is our conclusion that there is sufficient interest among Canadian stakeholders for the Government of Canada to proceed with a programme of national support to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As time is pressing, we also recommend that the governments of Canada and the provinces seize the moment and begin the planning process immediately so that appropriate signals can be sent and action planned to meet the demands of the anniversary year.

A number of national organizations like the United Nations Association in Canada stand ready to create strategic partnerships with the Government of Canada where creative ideas, energy and much volunteer labour can be married to modest resources to produce programmes and activities that demonstrate Canada's commitment to the Universal Declaration. This initiative, nevertheless, is larger then the capacities of any single organization.

Responding, therefore, to the desire of Canadians to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with activities of substance, we recommend:

* That the Government of Canada recognize and respond to the interests of Canadians on this issue and commit itself to marking the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998;

4 That a national enabling structure be established as soon as possible, staffed by a secretariat of paid and seconded staff, to assist the provinces, municipalities, Canadians and their organizations in planning a year of activities to mark the Anniversary (10 December 1997 to 10 December 1998).

4 That such a national enabling structure work to promote the congruency between the norms and standards articulated in the Universal Declaration and the values we share as Canadians, and that programming at all levels focus on youth, and a communications strategy that will promote the Universal Declaration to all Canadians.

+ That such a national enabling structure encourage the creation of provincial and/or regional committees, and that these Committees develop appropriate support mechanisms to promote community activities to mark the Anniversary. Functions of national and provincial commissions could include: • To act as a clearing house for the sharing and dissemination of information regarding the Universal Declaration and activities organized to commemorate it, in Canada and internationally;

• To develop appropriate sectoral committees (arts & culture, education, law & government, service organizations, youth & women) and encourage the organization of events and activities;

• To identify potential sources of funding for community activities and initiatives organized by national organizations;

• To prepare and/or acquire and distribute print and electronic information and resources to support community activities and to respond to inquiries from abroad;

• To develop and implement a comprehensive national communications strategy that would market the Universal Declaration and Human Rights throughout the year.

That the national enabling structure be suitably financed to permit an effective support presence in all regions of the country;

That financial assistance be made available by the Government of Canada using a matching- dollar-formula with the provinces, Foundations, and private sector participants to assist in financing community and national projects;

That the budget of the Human Rights Directorate of the Department of Canadian Heritage be restored to reflect interest in the Anniversary of the Universal Declaration and the UN- declared Decade for Human Rights Education;

That suitable means be found to publicize and commemorate the contributions of Canadians like John Peters Humphreys and others to the Universal Declaration and to human rights in Canada and abroad;

That the Minister responsible for Canadian Heritage convene a national conference of Ministers responsible for human rights in anticipation of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that the agenda include:

• The consideration of activities related to the Anniversary;

• Ongoing plans to participate in the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Edu.cati.pn;., ...".'

• A status-report on human rights education in the classroom;

• The impact in Canada of structural adjustment on human rights - how human rights can be protected in an era of downsizing and streamlining;

• Legislative compliance with International Conventions and national codes; • How the Internet can be used to promote Human Rights and discourage the proliferation of hatred and discrimination.

4 That the Government of Canada call upon the United Nations and the international community to mark the Anniversary of the Universal Declaration in an appropriate and public manner.

4 That the Minister of Foreign Affairs appoint a Special Envoy to the United Nations and to the Commission for Human Rights to assist it in undertaking initiatives to mark the Anniversary;

4 That the Government of Canada launch a special fund and encourage other nations to contribute to enable the UN Human Rights Centre to operate with greater effectiveness;

4 That the Government of Canada host an international conference on the emerging role of civil society and the United Nations. This conference would also review Plans of Action established by governments at the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993;

4 That the Government of Canada, in anticipation of the Anniversary and in cooperation with the United Nations, convene a well-publicized Special Meeting of Experts to consider the most appropriate means to promote human rights and discourage the proliferation of hatred and discrimination through the electronic media and on the Internet in particular.

Interest in the "Declaration Project" has been significant and there is a genuine desire to plan and implement creative initiatives that would involve Canadians in marking the anniversary. The hundreds of non-government organizations with which we consulted offered innovation and creativity in response to our challenge. The majority of these ideas are captured in the report "101 Ideas to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary." Virtually all responded positively asked if they could include a significant reference to the Universal Declaration in their on-going programming in 1998. Many expressed a strong desire to participate in alliance with others to plan and undertake "stand-alone events" to familiarize Canadians with the Universal Declaration.

More than one minister responsible made a commitment to have the initiative discussed at Cabinet with a proposal to mark the year. And a provincial premier promised to raise the matter at this summer's meeting of Premiers and to include it in a forthcoming Throne Speech. Others suggested the importance of establishing provincial coordinating committees as a means of encouraging citizen participation. Some went so far as to offer modest resources to assist with the planning and implementation of activities.

Virtually all offices of the Ombudsman offered to carry the message of the Universal Declaration in their public presentations, in their literature and annual reports. Some eagerly embraced the coming anniversary as a means to publicly connect their work with the principles in the Declaration.

Every Human Rights Commission or Council in Canada is prepared to mark the year in creative and substantive ways. In Edmonton, Commission members spoke of their interest in organizing a provincial gathering of youth to examine the relevance of the Universal Declaration and human rights to their experience. In Nova Scotia the Commission volunteered to provide leadership in programmes of public education and the coordination of activities to mark the year.

With the conclusion of this consultation phase of the Declaration Project, it is imperative that the momentum generated by the interest of stakeholders be maintained and encouraged. It is hoped that governments will rise to this challenge. '... PROMISES TO KEEP ..."

REPORT ON THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION TO DETERMINE THE INTEREST OF CANADIANS IN COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY (1998) OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1998 will mark the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). For human rights practitioners, national and international leaders and educators, the whole year, beginning on Human Rights Day, December 10, 1997, holds great potential as a moment in history to focus on human rights issues. When the UDHR came into effect in 1948 at the United Nations, it was an event that fifty years later is still viewed as one of the most important international initiatives of the 20th century. Yet after these five decades the issues of human rights still have such primacy that the UN has named the decade beginning in 1995 as the Decade for Human Rights Education.

Canada can take particular pride in the fact that one of our own, John Peter Humphreys, a lawyer from McGill University and the first director of the UN Human Rights Centre, prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration. Over the years other Canadians have endeavoured at local, national and international levels to promote individual and societal rights, and through their daily lives, have attempted to be models of a fair and just citizenry.

Canadians can and do take pride in their leaders who stand on the side of justice in a wide variety of fora. There is also a glimmer of awareness of the behind-the-scenes actors, who are equally effective in trying to make changes for the better, from a "rights" perspective. The UDHR is both an inspiration and a gauge for Canadian values - values which makes Canada such a unique place to people around the world and particularly to those experiencing human rights abuses or seeking refuge from oppression. Yet it is unknown if many Canadians are familiar with the existence of the UDHR, and its importance as an instrument governing so many aspects of our lives. The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-C), whose mandate is to promote a better appreciation among Canadians of the objectives and operations of the United Nations, wishes to determine if and how Canadians might choose to mark the significance of the Year. In order to answer this a process of national consultation was initiated earlier this year concluding in early July, 1996. The views of four main stakeholders were sought, including non-governmental organizations and community-based groups, Aboriginal groups, statutory human rights agencies at national and provincial levels and ombuds offices, and political leadership at the provincial and federal levels.

The response, as detailed in the following report, is encouraging. Canadians from all walks of life would like to mark the year in creative and substantive ways. But Canadians from Victoria to St. John's were also very clear in expressing a number of concerns and conditions, outlined in detail in this report.

8 The tempered enthusiasm of Canadians may be a function of the current economic climate, as cutbacks are resulting in more difficult conditions for many and the loss of important human rights gains. Also, the experiences with previous "celebrations" of UN "years" are viewed by many as being remote affairs that do not touch their lives in meaningful ways. Nonetheless, Canadians would like to see something transpire, not lavish, but commemorative, and with a strong emphasis on action. After all, said one interviewee, "It's important to celebrate how far we have come - but it is equally important to point out how far there is to go."

Or, put more strongly by another respondent, "We do not want to celebrate the year with balloons and whistles. We want to see progress, not pablum. We have come a long way on human rights, but there is so much more road to travel."

The response to the idea of an anniversary year was indeed positive and prompted a profusion of practical and purposeful suggestions. Many non-governmental organizations and voluntary associations offered to include a significant reference to the Universal Declaration in their on-going programme in 1998. Many expressed a strong desire to participate in alliance with others to plan and undertake "stand-alone" events to familiarize Canadians with the Declaration. Aboriginal respondents emphasized the importance of working on human rights issues at home. They strongly encouraged the involvement of youth in whatever plans were developed.

A number of Ministers made a commitment to have the initiative discussed in Cabinet with a proposal to mark the year. A provincial premier promised to raise the matter at this summer's meeting of Premiers and to include it in a forthcoming Throne Speech. Others stressed the importance of establishing provincial coordinating committees as a means of encouraging citizen participation and some even offered modest resources to assist with the planning and implementation of activities.

Offices of the Ombudsman offered to carry the message of the Universal Declaration in their public presentations, in their literature and annual reports. Some eagerly embraced the coming anniversary as a means to publicly connect their work with the principles in the Declaration.

Every Human Rights Commission or Council in Canada is prepared to mark the year in creative and substantive ways. The Canadian Human Rights Commission gave its full support and offered to collaborate with all official anti-discrimination agencies, and others as well, to mark the year with a practical and dynamic programme. In Alberta, for example, Commission members expressed an interest in organizing a provincial gathering of youth to examine the relevance of the Declaration and human rights in their experience. In Nova Scotia, the Commission volunteered to provide leadership in programs of public education and the coordination of activities to mark the year.

From all levels of respondents, four conditions for the success of this year were strongly underscored. First, programs and activities will have to emerge from the level of the local community. Second, it was very strongly voiced that the most important participants for the year are youth. Third, there will be a need for a lean national structure - with its main purpose being to develop a communications strategy and to provide resources. Fourth, the Year's activities should not be national or international but interconnected at these levels. Canada should be both leader and participant in the global arena. These conditions are elaborated upon in Section 8- Ideas Bank. Responses were also very reflective in terms of content - what aspects of human rights should be addressed at local, regional, national and international levels. The range is described in the Themes section, not as a conclusive scenario, but instead as a set of options from which to choose. A preference may emerge to concentrate on one theme only for the Year, or for a combination of complementary themes. Overall, the preference seemed to be to allow local or regional committees to decide on such matters. Some, including the Winnipeg Round Table stressed that having too many themes may "cheapen the currency" and lead to confusing messages about human rights.

Specific activities fitting within these themes, and having the potential to respect the conditions, were also suggested and are contained in the report in the form of an "Ideas Bank", which can be developed accordingly. A celebration of John Peter Humphreys' role as a pioneer of Human Rights is already on the agenda of some, and others expressed the wish to make a special acknowledgement of him and his historic contribution. Likewise, the message was relayed again and again that there are human rights heroes in every community who should be recognized for their commitment, courage and inspiration.

Being 50 may seem middle-aged to some, but the age-group which is most enthused about this being the right time to focus on human rights are those from 12-20, or "youth". Although this report attempts to blend the many and varied responses from all ages and sectors, the untrammelled enthusiasm and high energy responses experienced at a youth focus group merits significant mention in this report. These leaders of tomorrow have an abundance of firm ideas on what the Year should address and a brimming treasure box of suggestions for programmes and activities to help bring their concerns to the fore. Their interest is backed by offers to design and organize activities of varying scope. These ideas and others can be found in Section 8, in the "Ideas Bank".

A supplementary table is available on request which comprehensively summarizes the suggestions of the hundreds of people who responded, broken down by region. This information complements the list of activities found in the Ideas Bank. The table also contains any express offers of support, coordination, and financing, and will prove to be a useful building block to develop programmes, depending on the structure designed to facilitate the initiative.

Whereas very tangible motifs and directives have emerged from this survey, no attempt is made in this report to suggest a specific theme or to provide extensive details of structure, in keeping with requests to have the ball start rolling at the local level - and until official response is received from the Government of Canada on a commitment to the Declaration Year.

The next step is a call to action for the federal government, in the form of a set of recommendations prepared by the Standing Committee on Human Rights of the UNA-C. These are presented in Section 7. The hope is that this report will receive favourable reaction and will provoke the necessary conditions to mark this important anniversary in a meaningful and substantive manner. Time is of the essence. It is critical that planning begin now, in mid 1996, if a series of activities which will stretch throughout the Year, are to be formally launched on Human Rights Day, December 10, 1997.

This report gives voice to all the Canadians who expressed their impassioned and earnest vision of what 1998 could be, and is presented with the hope that it will be catalytic in realizing this vision.

10 2.0 BACKGROUND

The UDHR proclaimed at the United Nations on December 10, 1948, is an event that has significantly influenced the unfolding of world events in the almost half century it has been in effect. Its unanimous adoption by the General Assembly was a remarkable achievement. It, at once, transcended the disparate political ideologies of the day while drawing upon the universal principles inherent in diverse religious and cultural traditions. The Universal Declaration, along with the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, comprise the International Bill of Human Rights.

For nearly fifty years the Declaration has been a vibrant, moral conscience to the world community. It provides international norms and standards to which the international community is expected to adhere and by which to condemn the actions of nation-states that suppress the rights of their own citizens. The Declaration has survived those who have deliberately attempted to undermine it. Instead the Declaration has inspired numerous international human rights conventions and declarations, from the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Declaration on the Right to Development. It has also enkindled the creation of national human rights legislation and institutions, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and federal, provincial and territorial codes and institutions.

The values we share - respect for the rule of law and the dignity of the person, fairness and equitable treatment, tolerance and the acceptance of diversity and the fundamental principle of democratic participation - are inherent both in our laws and in the Universal Declaration. This is hardly surprising to us, since many Canadians through their thoughts and actions have given pragmatic meaning to human rights. Some of these Canadians have enjoyed high visibility, others are very much "in the wings": we think, for example, of the leadership of Therese Casgrain and the courage of Terry Fox. Canadians who have made specific contributions in the human rights arena through their vision and commitment include Wilson Head, Kalmen Kaplansky, Renate Shearer and Walter Tarnopolsky. Then, of course, there is John Peter Humphreys, a lawyer from McGill University and the first director of the UN Human Rights Centre, who prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration. He went on to make substantial contributions to the development of international human rights norms and practices in the United Nations. Although Canadians are not "self-aggrandizing" by nature, 1998 may very well be the year for Canadians in all communities to reveal and regale their "local (rights) heroes" and to share some of their experiences with other Canadians, and the world.

In terms of the Declaration document, relatively few Canadians may be familiar with its existence, possibly viewing it as a distant and esoteric statement replete with fine sounding principles and noble aspirations. The challenge in conducting these consultations for the 50th Anniversary of the UDHR has been to determine if there is both the political will and sustainable interest in commemorating the anniversary of the Declaration. Many of those consulted have described what kind of activities would best inform and involve people in concrete programmes of action to demonstrate the practical application of the Universal Declaration in our everyday lives.

11 In January of this year, the UNA-C undertook to consult Canadians across the country and at many levels on the question of 1998 - whether to mark it as the Anniversary Year of UDHR, and if yes, how ? The report that follows is a synthesis of what was heard from Canadians, and a selection of direct quotations are presented in an attempt to render the tenor and intensity of people's reactions.

3.0 METHODOLOGY

The national consultative process was taken at the initiative of the UNA-C, under the guidance of the Chair of its Standing Committee on Human Rights, the Honourable Walter McLean. He worked in close collaboration with Mr. Peter Globensky, a senior staff member seconded from the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. This team was assisted by UNA-C staff, the consulting firm South House Exchange and volunteers in the regions of Canada. A national consultation strategy was developed by the above, with four key components, including round table or focus group meetings with representatives of NGOs and Aboriginal groups; interviews with officials from statutory human rights agencies and ombuds offices; briefings with elected officials who have responsibility for human rights and a 4-page questionnaire which was distributed nationally to a selection of some 175 organizations.

The views of three critical stakeholders were sought in the consultation. First, the representatives of the many non-governmental organizations, community groups concerned with social justice and human rights, and First Nations communities; second, the statutory human rights agencies at national and provincial levels along with the offices of the ombudsman. The latter was chosen because of their ongoing legislative and educational interest in human rights. Third, political leadership at both federal and political levels to determine the degree of political interest in the issue.

Round table meetings were held in all ten provinces, in 15 cities from Victoria to St. John's. Some sessions had a large participation, with over 25 attending, and others were smaller, with 10 to 15 activists debating and discussing their views and plans. Overall, the reactions of over 350 representatives were gathered in this process. The participants came from a wide cross-section of NGOs and community-based groups and Aboriginal organizations. In Ottawa, where so many NGOs and Aboriginal groups have their national offices, five additional focus groups were convened, so that representatives could meet and spark ideas off each other. Another focus group in Ottawa brought together 14 graduating high school students who explored the UDHR, most of them for the first time, and then generated many exciting ideas about how young people could be exposed to the issues surrounding human rights and how they could get involved in advancing them.

The discussions in all these meetings were invariably lively and rapid-paced and hope followed hard on the heels of every hurdle that was identified. One common element to every session was the ongoing difficult economic times and the effort required to prevent the marginalization of human rights in the current political climate.

12 Another group whose views were considered to be of the utmost importance were the national and provincial statutory human rights agencies and the Ombudsman or their representatives in all provinces. Messrs McLean and Globensky met with every human rights commission or council and ombuds office at the federal and provincial level to ascertain the level of interest and commitment to an anniversary effort. Without exception, the interest was positive and action-oriented. Further, they met with 30 ministers and parliamentarians and eight of the 10 provincial ministers responsible for human rights to glean their level of interest on the prospect of an anniversary year.

Another important element of the consultation process was a four-page questionnaire (in French or English) that was mailed to 175 organizations across the country, mainly to areas outside the purview of the 15 cities where round table meetings were held. There was a 15% rate of response, which is considered an above-average return in polling circles. The questionnaire was also put on the Internet on the UNA-C's home page. The consultation began in February and concluded in June 1996. The list of participants and questionnaire respondents is listed as Annex A, and is available upon request.

Although the Alberta and British Columbia Human Rights Offices do represent the views of the Northwest and Yukon Territories to some extent, it must be noted that a more comprehensive polling of opinion in the Territories was curtailed by budgetary limitations. While it was initially anticipated that round tables would be conducted in Whitehorse and Yellowknife, insufficient funds precluded such events. However, some of the questionnaire respondents offered views and suggestions from these locations.

4.0 KEY THEMES

Through the process of national consultation described above, several themes kept recurring as common threads. An overarching theme is that for Canadians, human rights are "front and centre" values that are not merely the preserve of special interest groups. There is great concern that these rights may become marginalized or neglected as part of the current trend of the reduction of social programs. And if this theme, and the others listed below, are to be addressed in 1998, it will only be if they are loudly and widely communicated by all means possible - and particularly through the mass media and the "new" electronic media.

In addition to the theme of non-marginalization, and the need for communication, other themes which recurred can be broadly categorized as the following:

• Youth Participation • Diversity • Economic and Social Rights • Civil Society • Aboriginal Rights • Privacy and Technology Role of the UN and Civil Society

13 The following section provides further detail on how these particular themes emerged.

4.1 Youth Participation

There was a consistent and overwhelming preoccupation with youth and the challenge of how to create programming that addresses their concerns. How to reach them "at where they are at"? Educators are particularly concerned about the importance of teaching the next generation key principles of human rights such as tolerance, acceptance, gender equality and conflict resolution. There is an appreciation that careful consideration must be given to the vehicles to reach youth - suggestions included music, curriculum, MUNA (Model United Nations focussing on Human Rights) and even the creation of a "Nintendo" type game. To reach out to this audience will require creative advertising on T.V., the use of "MuchMusic" and the like, and of course, the Internet will be key as an interactive means of communication. Having youth groups such as Jeunesse du Monde as principal players in the Year would be critical.

A specific focus on "Generation X" was emphasized due to the perception that they may be feeling alienated from a society in which they are deprived of the means of gaining any economic advantage. A salient question, related to theme 4.3 on economic and social rights, is "What do you say that is relevant to this rapidly expanding and increasingly disenfranchised audience ?"

Youth themselves were very expressive about their view of rights, which ones have priority, and what would be effective ways to share their concern with other Canadians, and with other nationalities. For example, a youth focus group which met in Ottawa felt very strongly about their wish to have Canada undertake an international role, but not at the expense of pressing domestic rights issues. How, they wondered, could rights be addressed at both levels and allow Canada to proudly encourage other countries to take a similar approach? Their suggestions included innovative ideas to incorporate human rights education in the school system, in the media currently popular with youth and particularly using new technologies such as the Internet. Youth drew up a list of more than 30 rights they consider the most important for their age group, and it is no surprise that the list is topped with "right to employment." Specific activity suggestions can be found in the "Ideas Bank" at the conclusion of this report.

"Young people really want to know what their rights and responsibilities are. They really want to become involved... but they need to have information and access to it."

"If you want to reach more than just those who are familiar with the Declaration, then you have to market Human Rights, like you would any other product. Kids have to be able to read an Article or two of the Declaration on the back of cereal boxes, or milk cartons." Why not ?"

"Can we bring youth together from across the country to examine Human Rights and their future, but try for a cross-section, not the "up and coming" leaders of tomorrow, or find a way to involve mainstream youth and not always their appointed leadership."

"I would love to get involved - but I don't know where."

14 4.2 Diversity

Subsumed in this theme are the concerns about international refugees and the multicultural nature of Canada. For the Year, multicultural organizations in Canada could play a critical role in giving visibility to Human Rights by making the explicit connection between the "traditional issues" of racism, tolerance, place in the work force - and the discourse on human rights. Consideration should be given to the rights of people still viewed as marginalized in Canada: First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Refugees, New Canadians. Activities should be conducted both at the local level and through national umbrella organizations. Also, multicultural festivals could be used to promote the UDHR.

Other organizations as well need to address the value and advantages of an inherently diversified society, which Canada is, and to explore ways of ensuring that the Canada of the 21 st century is a positive reflection of all its citizens. We are not free of negative and hostile behaviours, and must learn quickly to address and redress them before they cause further damage and alienation.

Concern was expressed for international refugees and their right to seek asylum and a suggestion was made to hold an international conference in Canada on refugees, or to seek sponsorship for refugees from countries where human rights abuses prevail.

"We are all multi-faith here and very ecumenical. When it comes to social justice issues we have all converted and reconverted each other so many times that new blood is needed."

"There must be a platform for the marginalized in Canada during the Year otherwise this will be a wasted exercise in Canadian aggrandizement and propaganda. If we are going to tell the story - let the whole story be told."

"Ensure that planning involves the multicultural communfty as they have traditionally stood to gain or lose much by how "tolerant" mainstream society has been of their presence in the past."

4.3 Economic and Social Rights

Perhaps this was one of the most dominant themes in Canada's present climate of fiscal restraint. The governments are perceived to be undercutting a social safety net that Canadians have fought hard for and are proud of and the social and economic hardships being faced by Canadians are very much seen as an erosion of fundamental rights. Discussion arose about the possible need for a new social contract or covenant between Canadians and their governments. One suggestion was that the year could focus on local economic recovery and independent self-sufficiency as a theme, with people at local levels sharing their success stories in building economic self-sufficiency, particularly in areas of the country where poverty has "ground people down." However, this theme is not unique to any one region, and its universality lends to the potential for national collaboration.

"On social justice and human rights issues, if the cutbacks and downsizing and programme reductions are doing anything, they are encouraging us to sing as members of the same choir, instead of as a group of soloists."

15 "This is the Year for the Eradication of Poverty. Have you heard one peep from the Government on this subject ? Of course not, they are too busy creating it with their policies to eradicate the universality of social programmes."

"Empty bellies don't celebrate. How can we convince Canadians that many of our social programmes are our birthright and that their disintegration means our disintegration as a caring people?"

"The erosion of social and economic rights protection seems to be a key reason why a big majority of participants in consultation urged that the activities for the year focus on domestic issues, or at least on the link between international issues and domestic realities. Few believed that the Year should focus entirely on issues outside Canada."

4.4 Civil Society

Discussion arose on the topic of rights and citizenship and how both concepts pivot on the same axis. The importance of citizenship was underscored and how Canadians must return to being a "caring community" so that rights could be better protected in fulfilling our civic duties. It was proposed that increased education on the importance of community and citizenship would enhance communal and individual rights.

"Human rights have traditionally outnumbered human wrongs in our country. We are known as a caring place. We cannot allow the balance to shift in the other direction with our own government leading the way."

"I may claim a right to health care not only as a social programme in Canada but as a right entitlement. However, that right demands as a responsibility from me to support that system through my contributions when I am able to do so."

4.5 Aboriginal Participation

The metaphorical call to "clean up our own backyard" was made repeatedly across Canada by a wide variety of respondents in this consultation. Particularly emphasized was the need for Canada to address aboriginal issues, and in particular to deal with Bill C31, the Indian Act.

Aboriginal participation in the Year will be critical, and one suggestion was to involve the Aboriginal Bar Association in planning. 1998 also marks the year that Nunavut will become part of Canada as a separate territory and this may provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration.

"Indigenous People have the highest rate of suicide, diabetes and other diseases, poverty, sexual abuse, racism and yet do not get the same opportunities in education, jobs and all human rights issues."

"We are talking about Human Rights which exclude addressing issues such as the ethnic cleansing, genocide, land-grabbing etc. We deny certain groups of their traditional way of life. We colonize and Christianize... in the name of professing to address Human Rights we form an ineffective bureaucracy."

"There has to be significant involvement from aboriginal people. We have to convince them that human rights are not just white rights!"

16 4.6 Privacy and Technology

At virtually every round table or focus group meeting, the subject of the Internet arose. Frequently, people were excited by the enormous potential it holds for communicating about rights issues and who is doing what about them - information about abuses, campaigns, lobbies, and education.

Also participants identified an emerging concern about the use of electronic technologies, such as the Internet, to invade the individual's privacy and the need to protect the right to privacy. Alarming increases in the use of the Internet to spread "hate literature" about minority groups is prompting heated debates at senior levels on the prospect of legislative control of these means of communication.

"If we fail to stop hatred from flowing through the channels of our new electronic networks....if we do not stand up to the despots and bullies..then we will face harsh consequences down the road. On the larger landscape of human society, what began as hateful rhetoric may turn into urban terrorism, regional warfare or genocide."

4.7 Role of the UN .'.>,'.•' ' "'''."..•

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been and continues to be an instrument which defines our responsibilities even as it binds us together as both citizens and governments, A revitalized commitment to human rights should be the beacon of a common global destiny of opportunity and freedom."

"Canada agrees that human rights should rank among the internal affairs of states - indeed among their highest priorities. The problem is that too often they do not. And that problem is everybody's affair, everyone's concern, as a matter of international law. The sovereign here is humanity.."

5.0 KEY CONDITIONS

During the information gathering process, a set of conditions were consistently iterated as being vital to the success of a commemorative year in 1998. These conditions concern programming initiative - that it should be from local communities first; support for the effort - mostly in the form of communications and media liaison - should come from a modest national support structure, or clearing house and that in all efforts, youth should be considered the primary audience.

17 5.1 Community-Level Initiative

A fundamental condition specified by a cross-section of respondents is that the initiative for a 1998 year of activities will have to emerge from the level of the local community. Respondents were adamant that a top-down approach will not work and something "laid-on" from Central Canada will be counter-productive. Whereas national and provincial structures are viewed as essential, their roles would be supporting rather than initiating, facilitating rather than coordinating. At its most organized the national structure would be a clearing house for information and resources.

There is a strong desire to have people tell their own stories - to talk of their own contributions, and those of their "brothers and sisters" across Canada, in fostering the spirit of human rights in their own communities. These stories speak to the common experiences of others, so they can relate and identify with, for example, stories of success in building economic self-sufficiency. This approach was well-expressed in a statement made in Victoria, B.C., "...it is experience that changes people, not information."

The community-level approach also addresses the reality that the commemoration of the Year will likely be done with a limited budget. Discrete local level activities will prove cost-efficient and will obviate the need for an expensive central administrative unit. People felt that monies should not be filtered through some national committee but allocated "...as close to the community as possible."

One suggestion is that planning be done through like-minded constituencies and umbrella organizations, for example community sectors such as unions, faith groups, teachers federations and the like could organize events for their constituencies. The source of the suggestion felt this to be "...the most natural, or at least, the least artificial way to proceed." It was also suggested that some coordination could be done at the provincial level. For example, representatives of the Office of the Ombudsman in Saskatchewan expressed their willingness to work with other interested parties and recommended the formation of a provincial steering committee to move the agenda along.

A model that was mentioned repeatedly was the coalition one used for planning activities for March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination. It is locally coordinated, draws upon the resources of diverse community groups, uses little money and puts much emphasis on cooperative programming and the media.

Other actual comments or queries made by respondents during the consultation are cited below in order to emphasize certain points.

"Planning should include rural Canada. How do you get to the small towns and rural/farming communities that dot this country ? How do they get exposed to and changed by the message of the Declaration ?"

"National activities and organizations should not monopolize dollar resources at the expense of local activity. Canadians are genuinely suspicious of government initiatives to begin with. If there is a national organization, let it be arms-length and let it act as support for provincial and local activities. Funnel resources down to the "lowest level" as quickly and efficiently as possible."

18 "Can we borrow from the UN 50th and pursue the ideal of human rights communities in Canada - those communities, however defined, have made a difference to community life because of their advocacy of human rights issues in their own communities? Or celebrate the contribution of individuals who made it happen."

"Unless programming is done that meets the interests and objectives of participating groups, involvement may be piecemeal..."

5.2 A Supportive Structure to Publicize Issues and Events

Although Canadians clearly want activities for a possible Human Rights Year to emanate from their communities, they also feel that a structure of some type will be required to liaise with national media, to provide information and to possibly have a type of "networking " function. To borrow a respondent's words, the role of this unit would be to "incite and excite", not to coordinate and control. Viewed as more of a clearing house than a national office, it would at the same time be a catalyst and a lever, and provide a focal point for common interest. A predominant function would be the development of a comprehensive communications strategy to "market human rights and the Universal Declaration" to the public. This would be helpful in terms of assisting the public in knowing the relevance of the Declaration, as well as discussion of other human rights issues.

Much concern was expressed about how to ensure appropriate media attention. The national structure envisioned would have one or more media specialists who can identify not only traditional media outlets, but all publications that may be accessed. For example, the range should extend to weekly publications and specialized publications as well as some of the new technologies, such as interactive CDs and the Internet. Back to the backyard - media involvement at the community level will be critical to ensure local angles, local interest. Also, specific messages could be marketed to specific audiences. It is anticipated that the national structure could provide print and electronic information to back up local initiatives.

Many people suggested that activities should be planned throughout the year and not just for 10 December, 1998. Attention should be given to the two UN Decades on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and on Human Rights Education. Numerous opportunities such as International Women's Day (March 8), Disability Awareness Week and World Food Day (November 16) are examples of opportunities to "piggyback" Human Rights activities. It would be the responsibility of a national structure to keep track of these events and dovetail rights activities with them. Respondents also indicated that their institutions had planned programmes which had the scope to include other activities. Another role of a national structure would be to help avoid duplication of similar events in the same area.

Again, to give an idea of "what the people said", some direct quotations are found below on how a national supportive structure is viewed.

"A national organization is something we can opt into rather than buy into."

"Enable people to "tell their own stories" through the media."

"There is no such thing as a mass audience, but specific targets within it."

19 "A national structure of some kind., is essential to the success of planning the Year. Its role should be as a clearing house, to provide print resources and to coordinate only those activities that need to be coordinated."

5.3 A Special Partner: Youth

A preoccupation with youth as the primary audience was dominant among the hundreds of participants across the country, including young people themselves: how to create programming that addresses their concerns and to communicate the fundamental human rights articulated in the UDHR? Ideas were numerous, creative and exciting, focusing on themes and programs topical to today's young people.

For example, the Office of the Ombudsman in Edmonton suggested that if resources could be found, perhaps student internships could be allocated to Ombudsman offices to promote education and the Declaration. In New Brunswick, the idea was raised of employing students during the summer to promote the Year and to distribute information to schools. From Newfoundland comes an idea about having students across the country organize a cross-Canada tour of a major rock group who could carry the message to high schools and universities. Youth told us that Bryan Adams, Bruce Cockburn, Alanis Morisette or Susan Agtukark would be high on their list as the musicians to be approached for this task.

It is critical that youth be reached "where they are at". Popular music, school curricula and interactive computer games are important media for accessing young people. In fact, MuchMusic has already expressed a strong interest in developing programing that would incorporate human rights themes during 1998.

We were reminded that while it may be relatively easy to reach high achievers in this section of the population, effort must be put on trying to engage and hold the interest of difficult to access, marginalized youth. A number of youth stakeholders were identified that could be involved, such as Students Associations, school clubs of all kinds, Teacher Federations, Youth Committees and Service Organizations.

There is no question that youth themselves want to participate in a year of human rights activities, and if their plea to have information made available to them is heeded, it could be a very busy year in schools, libraries, shopping malls, clubs - and all the computer terminals across Canada! There was also an expression of "wishing to take matters into our own hands" in developing youth projects, and below is only a small selection of the many ideas that were enthusiastically tumbled out by youth participants.

• Build Awareness through Mini-Forums in Schools • Teachers could post assignments on Human Rights on the Internet Schools could make up their own Declaration of Rights • Develop a Multi-Media Awareness Project Organize pen-pals (e.g. with rights activists, political refugees), correspondence could be both international and domestic • Organize mock UN Debates • Have Human Rights be part of school curriculum, as well as extra-curricular activities such as the Peace Club

20 The following are comments from youth and the youth-focussed to illustrate the kind of enthusiasm and ideas that people have already.

"Remember - many of the role models for kids are found in the field of sports and entertainment."

"The foremost contribution that can be made through the organization of activities throughout the year is to focus on young people and reach them where their interests are."

"(At the Saskatchewan Ombudsman office)...we are interested in promoting our workand the Declaration to high school students as they are at an age when they will begin to come into contact with government, their regulations and the bureaucracy...."

"Priority with teens according to a recent survey commissioned is 1) Music; 2) Friends; 3) Sex."

"We would like to have Bruce Cockburn introduce landmine survivors to us" - a youth participant.

"We want to get involved, but don't know how or where!"

6.0 CHOICES FOR AN ENABLING STRUCTURE

Almost all participants in the consultation process agreed that a national structure to promote and coordinate the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration was needed. All were equally adamant, however, that the primary, if not the exclusive role of such a national structure was to facilitate programming at the provincial and community level. This suggestion emanated from both a defined need for a horizontally structured national presence to provide ideas, information and an "overview", as well as from a fear that a "nationally canned and packaged" programme would not be appropriate at the level of communities. Consistent throughout all the consultations and stated more positively, participants felt that human rights and the Universal Declaration had to relate to the reality of people's experience in the communities in which they functioned. As such, projects and initiatives organized at the local and regional level would be reflective of local interests and concerns.

With this in mind, efforts continue in seeking the views of policy and decision-makers as to the purpose, form and function of such a national presence in the planning of activities to mark the anniversary year.

6.1 Purpose and Function

The role of the enabling structure or National Structure would be to provide a supportive venue where the interests and activities of the regions, provinces and territories could be considered and discussed. The National Structure would assist in creating regional and provincial/territorial structures whose purpose would be to provide the "operational and coordination hubs" for community-level activities.

21 The roles of the National Structure would be:

• to act as a clearing house for the sharing of information about regional and provincial/territorial initiatives and to provide a national overview of activities;

• to serve, in partnership with one or more national organizations, as a focal point for the dissemination of information and print resources to regional and provincial/territorial committees and community groups;

to liaise with national institutions and organizations and to encourage them to undertake programming initiatives of a national scope;

• to plan, coordinate and implement a national communications strategy that would "market human rights and the Universal Declaration" to selected audiences;

• to serve as a point of contact for parallel initiatives in other countries and for multilateral agencies seeking information or re-direction to appropriate Canadian organizations;

• to keep track to some extent of the activities throughout the country so that there is record and possibly a means of assessing the impact of the Declaration Year.

6.2 Anticipated Outcomes

Functioning as described, a National Structure would "incite and excite", not control or coordinate. Its composition would provide a stimulus for local and regional activity, while providing sufficient overview and facilitation functions to encourage and ensure a "national presence" in Declaration year activities. This would occur through its primary function of preparing and implementing a national communications strategy. The result would be a highly visible campaign of activities and information-sharing at the community level coupled with a national communications strategy, giving exposure and amplified resonance to its tenets.

6.3 Composition of the National Structure

To emphasize its facilitative role at the national level and the limited resources which may be available, the composition of the National Structure should be modest in size. A mechanism will have to be found (provincial governments or legislatures, statutory human rights agencies, coalitions of NGOs, etc) to allow one or two representatives of each of the five regions to be appointed to the National Structure. They could be joined by representatives of five or six national organizations representing appropriate sectors (eg. education, youth, culture) and human rights constituencies (Amnesty International/Amnisitie Internationale, CASHRA). The National Structure should be "anchored" by two prominent co-chairs from each of Quebec and the ROC. It could also solicit a patron's list of notables who would be willing to lend their names and prestige to the Declaration Project. The National Structure could meet quarterly if resources permit.

22 6.4 National Secretariat •

A national secretariat of modest size (coordinator, regional officers, communications specialists and support staff) could be assembled using hired, seconded and pro-bono staff. It might possibly be hosted in donated office space. Attempts would be made to obtain as many "freebies" as possible, such as courier, centrex services, travel vouchers, etc.). Responding to the needs of the National Structure and reporting to it, the national secretariat would be a planning and implementing body supporting and facilitating the activities of the regions and liaising with and encouraging national organizations and institutions to implement or engage in activities to commemorate the year.

6.5 Financial Resources

Consistent with our recommendation that the federal government cost-share activities using a matching-dollar formula, it is proposed that government underwrite the costs of the National Structure and Secretariat with the provinces/territories contributing to the costs of regional and provincial/territorial structures. It would be most difficult to raise thee operating costs from either foundations or the private sector. Programming funds would be allocated to and distributed through two envelopes:

• National Initiatives - Funds from the federal government, foundations and the private sector. Consideration could be given to the option of having the National Structure coordinate and make the selections. • Regional and Provincial/Territorial Initiatives - Funds from the federal and provincial governments, foundations and the private sector for community-based initiatives.

A natural corollary to this recommendation relates to the current and future status of the budget of the Human Rights Directorate of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Clearly, since this is likely to be the lead agency for both the Declaration Year and the Decade for Human Rights Education, funding to the Directorate should be fully restored without delay. Other departments of the federal government should also be expected to make a substantive contribution to the Year.

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It is clear from this report that the preliminary findings show there is more than sufficient interest among Canadian stakeholders for the Government of Canada to proceed with a program of national support for a year to commemorate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Resources. Therefore, we recommend that the government give this matter due attention, and specific recommendations are found below.

At a time when Canadian society is experiencing many strains and economic difficulties, and many places in the world are suffering unacceptable violations of a whole range of human resources, Canadians feel they need to be extra vigilant, they need to feel they are doing something to make a difference in protecting lives.

23 A number of national organizations, such as the United Nations Association in Canada, stand ready to create strategic partnerships with the non-governmental and governmental organizations to carry out the creative ideas recommended in the cross-Canada consultations. Creative ideas, energy and much volunteer labour can be married to modest resources to produce programs and activities that demonstrate Canada's commitment to the Universal Declaration. It must be stressed that this initiative is larger than the capacities of any single organization. Of equal importance is the recommendation that planning must get underway now in 1996 if a year of activities are to be mounted by mid 1997. By the government acting on this recommendation, the necessary conditions will be created to mark this anniversary in a meaningful and substantive manner.

Responding, therefore, to the desire of Canadians to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with activities of substance, it is recommended:

+ That the Government of Canada recognize and respond to the interests of Canadians on this issue and commit itself to marking the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998;

4 That a national enabling structure be established as soon as possible, staffed by a secretariat of paid and seconded staff, to assist the provinces, municipalities, Canadians and their organizations in planning a year of activities to mark the Anniversary (10 December 1997 to 10 December 1998).

* That such a national enabling structure work to promote the congruency between the norms and standards articulated in the Universal Declaration and the values we share as Canadians, and that programming at all levels focus on youth, and a communications strategy that will promote the Universal Declaration to all Canadians.

4 That such a national enabling structure encourage the creation of provincial and/or regional committees, and that these Committees develop appropriate support mechanisms to promote community activities to mark the Anniversary. Functions of national and provincial commissions could include:

• To act as a clearing house for the sharing and dissemination of information regarding the Universal Declaration and activities organized to commemorate it, in Canada and internationally;

• To develop appropriate sectoral committees (arts & culture, education, law & government, service organizations, youth & women) and encourage the organization of events and activities;

• To identify potential sources of funding for community activities and initiatives organized by national organizations;

• To prepare and/or acquire and distribute print and electronic information and resources to support community activities and to respond to inquiries from abroad;

• To develop and implement a comprehensive national communications strategy that would market the Universal Declaration and Human Rights throughout the year.

24 4 That the national enabling structure be suitably financed to permit an effective support presence in all regions of the country;

4 That financial assistance be made available by the Government of Canada using a matching- dollar-formula with the provinces, Foundations, and private sector participation to assist in financing community and national projects;

* That the budget of the Human Rights Directorate of the Department of Canadian Heritage be restored to reflect interest in the Anniversary of the Universal Declaration and the UN- declared Decade for Human Rights Education;

4 That suitable means be found to publicize and commemorate the contributions of Canadians like John Peters Humphreys and others to the Universal Declaration and to human rights in Canada and abroad;

4 That the Minister responsible for Canadian Heritage convene a national conference of Ministers responsible for Human rights in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that the agenda include:

The consideration of activities related to the Anniversary;

• Ongoing plans to participate in the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education;

• A status-report on human rights education in the classroom;

The impact in Canada of structural adjustment on human rights - how human rights can be protected in an era of downsizing and streamlining;

• Legislative compliance with International Conventions and national codes;

• How the Internet can be used to promote Human Rights and discourage the proliferation of hatred and discrimination. I v A t the. Government of Canada \a\\ upon the United Nations and the\ international y community-to mark the Anniversary of me Universal Declaration^ an appropriate and public! '/ manner.

That the Minister of Foreign Affairs appoint a Special Envoy to the United Nations and to the Commission for Human Rights to assist it in undertaking initiatives to mark the Anniversary;

That the Government of Canada launch a special fund and encourage other nations to contribute to enable the UN Human Rights Centre to operate with greater effectiveness;

That the Government of Canada host an international conference on the emerging role of civil society and the United Nations. This conference would also review Plans of Action established by governments at the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993;

25 4- That the Government of Canada, in anticipation of the Anniversary and in cooperation with the United Nations, convene a well-publicized Special Meeting of Experts to consider the most appropriate means to promote human rights and discourage the proliferation of hatred and discrimination through the electronic media and on the Internet in particular.

8.0 IDEAS BANK: 101 WAYS TO COMMEMORATE 50 YEARS

Respondents made many specific suggestions for activities for a 1998 Commemorative Year and some proposed who might take responsibility for carrying the ideas out. In some cases, offers were made to include these activities as part of the respondent's own plans and programs for the Year. An extensive sampling of these ideas follows below, loosely categorized.

National activities, particularly those related to communication and media functions are relegated to the yet to be identified national structure. For the purposes of this report, this entity will be referred to as "the national structure!"

With the following suggestions came many offers from individuals and institutions to help develop and carry them through. There will certainly be no shortage of volunteers to help in realizing a Year of Human Rights, but the need for various forms of support must also be acknowledged.

Ideas from Civic Organizations

The following activities may be undertaken by the organizations and associations which comprise civil society: the many NGOs, professional associations, businesses, educators and lobby groups, to name a few. Their suggestions include the following:

+ Benefit from existing events such as the Women's March to draw attention to human rights issues of women; build on Beijing Platform of Action.

*• Have an annual conference on Human Rights Day (Community Legal Education Association, Manitoba).

* A prominent member of the literary community could be approached to discuss freedom of expression (PEN Canada).

4 The 1998 anniversary could be used to highlight some of the projects of the International Council for Adult Education, for example a collaborative project linking NGOs internationally in developing a Human Rights index.

+ From Les Femmes autochtones du Quebec, a suggestion to have "un concour addresse aux caricaturistes ou artistes afin qu'elles soumettent des oeuvres ayant pour themes les droits de la personne."

4 The Atlantic Human Rights Centre suggests that a programme be built around concrete action. They also offer to act as the Atlantic regional contact centre.

26 * Calgary would most certainly participate. Also forwarded the idea of raising Human Rights with Cities through their national organizations, such as the Big City Mayors Association and the Canadian Federation of Municipalities. 4 Find ways to access the Calgary Stampede and the '97 Petroleum Shows to publicize the Year. + Organize at the community level by sector and place heavy emphasis on the Arts Community. + National organizations would be essential partners - not only through their activities but through their own communications media (newsletters and the like). 4 City hall often issues proclamations Could they not be asked to plan a day of speakers and activities, like a "Festival of Human Rights"? 4- Use local festivals (multicultural, arts and music, etc.) to promote the Declaration. 4- Communities could be asked to develop thematic approaches to the Declaration and use dates of significance to the community in addition to the nationally celebrated ones (Women, Aboriginal, Labour, etc.). 4 Actively engage the Rotarians in this case, particularly in Winnipeg where they organize the annual MUNA attended by hundreds of students from the Mid West, Canada and the US They could easily add a Human Rights dimension to their work by having a day set aside for Human Rights Commission activities (Winnipeg/Manitoba). 4 Could Rotarians and other service clubs across the country be encouraged to undertake similar activities focused on youth and Human Rights? 4 The media could be approached and asked to do a story on local issues. 4 If Human Rights education is to be done correctly, teacher-training programmes (both preparatory/Teachers' College and in-service/Professional Development days) need to be organized so that the materials can be used appropriately. 4 In 1997 begin to draw the connections between citizenship and Human Rights. It is a many-faceted but fascinating discussion. Challenge people to develop the meaning of an active citizenship as the flip side of guaranteed Rights. 4 Can we ask governments if they have a plan of action for advancing Human Rights into the next century? 4 Can this be the Centre-piece Proposal for the Programme of Action for the Decade for Human Rights Education? 4 Employ students during the summer to promote the Declaration and distribute information, particularly to the schools.

4 How can you best use students to spread the message (MUNAs, competitions, posters, essays, summer employment programmes, volunteers, etc.)?

27 4 Involve the Aboriginal Bar Association in planning. 4 Have communities involved in creating community murals on public or private walls that have a Declaration theme. 4 Ensure that arts and culture groups are involved. With a little amount of money, they can produce enormous results for the Declaration - plays, music and song, sculpture, etc., - all could make a contribution to the Declaration. 4 Involve teachers in a comprehensive process of teacher-training, seeking their input to curriculum material. 4 C.R. Bronfman (CRB) Foundation may provide curriculum support. 4 C.R. Bronfman(Quebec) considering production of a Heritage Moment on John Humphreys, along with 25 minute video for classroom use. 4 Meetings with McGill jurists indicated support for programme activity in the Declaration. Law faculty will probably look at a conference (Humphrey lectures) that will focus on the Declaration. Concordia University also expressed interest in specialised programming and if approached would consider "academia" oriented suggestions. 4 Universities awarding Honorary Degrees to deserving human rights activists 4 Interest expressed in the possibility of re-editing (to include an introduction by a prominent Canadian) and re-launching the Keith Dunnet film on John Humphreys which could be used by both the media (TVO expressed strong interest) and the schools across the country in better understanding the role played by this Canadian in the Declaration. If resources were available it could be part of a comprehensive kit distributed to the schools which was a strategy also thought to be essential in reaching this "new audience". 4 The national coordinating committee and the regional/provincial organizations could organize a national speakers bureau so that anyone needing speakers on the subject of human rights could be invited from the list. 4 Considering the emphasis placed on the importance of media and a national communications strategy, serious consideration could be given to a juried prize at national and regional levels for journalists covering domestic and international human rights issues over the course of the year. 4 Develop a lengthy list of suggested activities and distribute to community organizations. 4 Approach banks at community and provincial level for backing and donations. 4 Seek sponsors during Declaration year for refugees from countries that have the records of poor human rights. 4 Promote the idea of a local business man who sponsored five essays on human rights in local schools 4 Devise strategies to involve small business in marking the year.

28 Could request speakers across the country to host a number of receptions and events to mark the Declaration. In planning a national communications strategy place significant emphasis on what people can see repeatedly - such as posters, buses, logos, etc. Retail outlets - at least the major ones like Sears, The Bay, Eaton's, etc., should be approached about storefront displays. Look at more popular and dynamic means to express human rights principles - children's story books, comic books, non-violent Genesis/Nintendo games. Pursue work with Heritage Moments (C.R. Bronfman Foundation) to expand work so that two or three are done throughout the year on HUMAN RIGHTS.

As they do with the environment movement, can a "report card" on human rights be done of the national and provincial governments? Coalitions would be best able to find ways to honour the contributions of local human rights heroes. Celebrate our own, particularly the un-sung ones. Look at "social justice fairs" where the public would be invited to sample our wares in a festival atmosphere. How can we get the hugely successful Folklore Festival to incorporate human rights into their theme in 1998? Consider the production of print materials in Braille or large-print for those who have difficulty with sight. Ensure that discussions, planning and publicity take into account the fact that we are in the middle of the Decade for Human Rights Education. How can that be exploited? A "range of days" - organizing activities on human rights related days throughout the year. Reproduce the Declaration using numerous formats (book marks, brochures, cereal boxes, etc.)

Have we asked universities to consider honorary degree awards to human rights activists and to invite human rights as a topic of convocation addresses? Capitalize on J. Humphrey's birthplace being Hampton, NB and the role he played in promoting the Declaration. Launch year on 10 December 1997 and plan activities throughout the year. To raise resources perhaps the federal government could contribute but on a matching dollar basis (using an appropriate formula) to entice both the provinces and the private sector and foundations to come on board. Reach young children through creative school and extra-curricular activities. Organize a poster contest (free trip to Disneyland?), and have kids do a poster on each Article, processed and judged by their peers.

29 Create a federal-provincial-private foundations partnership on Rights (matching dollar formula) to fund activities for the year. MAKE FUNDS AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO THE LOCAL LEVEL, so that it will not be swallowed up by the nationals! Develop creative programming for the Internet. Have all the Premier's home pages on the Net include a specific reference to the Declaration. The more "mass" the communication is, the better! Include appropriate copies of the Declaration in everything: hydro bills, public transit, cereal boxes (a lot of cereal is eaten across this country, and reading the boxes must be a popular pastime). Use approach deployed by organizers of 21 March and Black History Month. Develop a coalition with common objectives, specific responsibilities allocated and publicize the activities as much as possible. We can develop a report card on the government and demonstrate where they are passing and where they are failing, or at least develop benchmarks by which to judge their conduct in human rights. Students could not only be hired during the summer break, but also under the co-op education programmes that could "draft" students for work on Declaration initiatives. Arrange for a national quilt on human rights, with participating communities creating one square on the quilt. Invite exiled leaders, peace laureates, those who have struggled publicly and internationally for human rights to come to Canada and honour them. Create a "50 communities programme" where Canadian communities are invited to nominate groups or individuals in their community that have advance the cause of human rights in Canada or the world. A group of judges would select the 50 winners" and honour them appropriately. Get students across the country to organize a cross-Canada tour of a major rock group who could carry the message to high schools and universities across the country. Produce an interactive CD Rom for high school students on the Declaration and distribute it as part of a kit. Develop partnerships on specific activities relating to the Declaration that involve the legal community, business, service organizations like the Rotarians and the human rights community and NGOs (or any of the above) to create cooperative opportunities for like- minded organizations to work together. Additional youth-focused activities could include specialized TV programming and recognition or achievement awards for young people who have worked in this field. Canada Post and the Canadian Mint should be approached to prepare something for 1988 Year, e.g. perhaps a Humphreys stamp?

30 4 It was also suggested that a positive way to expand the "circle of the converted" was to involve "transitional points of entry to human rights issues", for example contacting multicultural organizations, oversight commissions (police, etc.), municipal councils and their race-relations committees, environmental and peace groups, gay and lesbian organizations, women's groups, HIV/Aids organizations, Commonwealth Bar Association and Secretariat, la Francophonie, and most certainly aboriginal organizations. 4 There were also strong expressions of interest in promoting Canada's international role in moving activities on the Declaration, particularly since the international community seems to be "conferenced out" and lacks any current energy to excite itself about the Declaration. Some suggested that Canada could invite civil society and governments to Canada in 1998 to examine the role of the UN and civil society and to examine how far governments have come with their respective plans of action following Vienna and Beijing. Ideas from Official Agencies Statutory Human Rights Agencies and Offices of the Ombudsman were consulted because of their ongoing legislative and educational interest in human rights. This is a group that is also enthused about the potential of 1998 as an active and educational time, and a sampling of their suggestions follow. f Highlight "ideal Human Rights communities"; 4 Canada could provide training programs for countries wanting to create ombudsman offices; 4 Conduct local education through workers' unions; 4 Approach Craig Keilberger and suggest partnership to highlight exploitation of young people internationally; 4 Create an interactive CD ROM on Human Rights; * Create and display widely a quilt with different squares contributed from different parties to represent issues; + Involve all quasi Human Rights Commissions in the marking of the Declaration including Police, Privacy, Language, etc. Creative ideas are needed to involve them in the discussions; + Examine the possibility of hosting an international conference of Ombudsman for the Declaration year, or at least putting it prominently on the national agenda; 4 The 1998 Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies conference will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Much can be done here to mark the year in the themes developed for the conference. We should attempt to obtain a list of all national conferences (even in the construction industry!) and use these as a vehicle for education! 4 Nova Scotia Commission will develop a joint strategy with Ombudsman and work to facilitate activities of other organizations on the matter;

31 4 Quebec Office of the Ombudsman and Human Rights Commission plan to move ahead with specialized programmes to mark the Year. Provincial Governments'Ideas 4 This category refers to the ten provincial governments. In some case, for example in Atlantic Canada, offers are made to work at a regional level. + An overall strategy must be developed outlining ideas for provincial government involvement in Declaration such as Throne Speeches, regional or national meetings where politicians come together, declarations and resolutions in the Houses of Assembly, all party committees, activities undertaken by the Lieutenant Governors, Speaker of the House, etc. A strategy brain-storm on this would produce many ideas. * The Model United Nations Assemblies (MUNA) could be a national programme organized across the country with high schools and with existing MUNA where one day could be added to focus on human rights issues. + The Chief of Staff of the Minister Responsible for Human rights (Quebec) will have the matter considered by an interdepartmental committee. + Ontario Minister Responsible has specific plans for the Year and has a very strong concern about educating youth. 4 An interdepartmental committee within the civil service is a must if this is to be taken seriously. At the very least provincial departments had the "Year of the Family" logo put on departmental letterhead. + The provincial coordinating committee could organize a national or provincial list of activities to inform others. 4 Organize by sectors across the province with a major emphasis on getting to youth through traditional and non-traditional sources. * Legislatures can: Declare a Human Rights year, week, or at least a Human Rights Day; pass a resolution in the House; strike an all-party committee; strike a commemorative coin (to be explored soon with the Royal Canadian Mint); host an international conference; review adequacy of Human Rights legislation; appropriate education budgets for human rights; organize a debate in the House; ask the Government of Canada to convene ministers responsible meeting; ask that the Order of Canada awards place particular emphasis on human rights during the Declaration. > Throughout Nova Scotia during the summer there are many "clan" activities. What can be done to spread the message through this excellent social system? 4 In 1997 a joint seminar could be organized for all Prince Edward Island on the proposed amendments to the provincial Human Rights Code. Possibly draft legislation could be proposed and the public invited to engage in the debate.

32 Political Leadership Both federal and provincial leaders and Parliamentarians were met to determine their degree of political interest in the issue. Some planning is underway already, and existing and potential efforts include: + the Canadian Mint and Canada Post considering commemorative coins, stamps; 4 a suggestion that a series of "Humphreys lectures" be mounted in universities; * a school kit should be launched; + Canada should host a conference to examine governments' follow up records post-Vienna and Beijing conferences; * Non-partisan caucus in Parliament (House of Commons and Senate) should be formed. i Curriculum development remains an important part of the formal education system and human rights must be part of that process. Someone needs to do a national inventory of school teaching materials on human rights, tolerance, multiculturalism, etc., so that the more useful information may be shared. Ideas for Multilateral Agencies * This category covers United Nations office located in Canada, for example the UNA-C or United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). N + Examine what worked in the 40th anniversary activities and replicate. 4- Use UNA-C web site for a list of national activities. Ideas to be carried out by National Structure. i The UN 50th material was excellent if little used. Would it be possible to do a supplement on the Declaration and distribute it as part of the package? 4 UN should be approached about producing memorabilia for the Year.

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