On December 10, the world marks Human Rights Day—a reminder that human rights are not abstract ideals, but essential elements of our everyday lives. This year’s theme, Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials, emphasizes that human rights are positive, essential, and attainable.
Human rights shape our routines, workplaces, relationships, and opportunities. They provide the protections and freedoms that allow people to live with dignity, safety, and hope. When workers can organize safely, families receive fair wages, and individuals can speak freely without fear, human rights are being realized in daily life.
Across Canada and globally, these rights continue to face threats. Violence, discrimination, exploitation, and systemic inequality undermine the safety and wellbeing of women, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and migrants.
Unifor stands in solidarity with all who defend these rights and calls for lasting change. From advocating for stronger labour protections to supporting workers’ struggles worldwide, Unifor emphasizes that workers’ rights are human rights—and they are essential to fairness, stability, and opportunity.
Human rights begin with everyday actions—speaking out against injustice, supporting coworkers, and listening to marginalized voices. They also require collective effort. The right to organize and bargain collectively ensures fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity on the job. Erosion of these rights, through legislation or underfunding, has far-reaching consequences for working people.
As Human Rights Day 2025 is observed, Unifor honors the courage of those who fought for equality, fairness, and justice. Through continued advocacy, the union reaffirms its commitment to social justice, economic equality, and a world where every person can live with respect and dignity.
A Call to Action
Unifor urges governments, employers, and institutions to take concrete steps to protect and strengthen human rights, safeguard the right to organize, and ensure strong, fair collective bargaining. Together, through solidarity and collective action, we can make human rights positive, essential, and attainable in everyday life.
