We are all humans. We are all born free and equal.

Human Rights Day is 10DEC, the day in 1948 when the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). There is much we can do to connect the work of equity and justice to the UDHR.

Within the architectural profession I submit we have duties to protect and promote human rights in the built environment. This includes participatory rights, cultural rights, rights of access, housing rights, environmental rights and the rights of construction workers and their families.

2021 Theme: EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.

As the link points out:

“The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Equality is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and with the UN approach set out in the document Shared Framework on Leaving No One Behind: Equality and Non-Discrimination at the Heart of Sustainable Development. This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTI people, migrants and people with disabilities, among others. Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, in other words – a human rights-based approach to development – is the best way to reduce inequalities and resume our path towards realising the 2030 Agenda.“

Currently the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has formed an advisory committee on Equity and Justice.  Clearly, among the issues this committee must consider is that connection between equity, justice and sustainability.

all the best to all of you for Human Rights Day 2021,