Human Rights Day celebrated on P.E.I. with rally, music, and theatre
'This is really a message for all Canadians to open their hearts'
A couple of Island events commemorated the 67th annual United Nations Human Rights Day Thursday: a rally at Province House, and a students' celebration of cultural diversity organized by P.E.I.'s Human Rights Commission.
The commission honoured achievements in human rights through speeches, music, theatre and visual art.
We should work on whatever brings us together rather than what separates us.— Zain Esseghaier, Muslim Society of PEI
"And one thing that I think is so beneficial for the students to be involved with today, we're really exploring the importance of inclusion and there's many benefits to inclusion. Children learn better when and where they feel safe, welcome and respected," said Tom Hilton, Education Project Officer with the Human Rights Commission.
The Stratford Elementary Choir performed, and Vernon River Consolidated's grade one class did a presentation about their fundraiser for solar lights for students in Kenya who can't study because they don't have electricity. Charlottetown Rural High School's gender sexuality alliance showed off their art, and students from Colonel Gray High performed a theatre piece on the importance of welcoming Syrian refugees.
"What is so important about this day is we try to bring to the fore that it is our duty today to re-capture the spirit of optimism and hope that the greatest generation, the WW II generation, fought for," said Hilton.
Down the street in the drizzling rain outside Province House, about 40 people attended a rally organized by the P.E.I. Chapter of the Council of Canadians. Speakers included Muslim, Mi'kmaq and union leaders.
Participants held handmade signs with slogans like 'Solidarity With Muslims' and 'Refugees Welcome Here," and talked about welcoming refugees from Syria in the coming days.
"These people are running away from war. Canada has always been a haven for refugees," said Zain Esseghaier with the Muslim Society of PEI.
"This is really a message for all Canadians to open their hearts to these people and to make them feel welcome in their new home," Esseghaier added.
"There are many values we all share together, and we should work on whatever brings us together rather than what separates us."
With files from Krystalle Ramlakhan