JHC releases its 2023 Annual Report
Below is JHC Executive Director Renée Vaugeois’s report for the 2023 Annual Report.
As we step into 2024, the world feels both surreal and precarious. We're witnessing a surge in migration and refugees, alongside environmental changes that continue to reshape our lives and interactions with the planet and each other. In Alberta and beyond, intolerance is on the rise, understanding of differences is lacking, and access to basic human rights like housing and food is increasingly limited.
Globally, conflicts and poverty exacerbate challenges related to food, shelter, education, and employment. As Canada welcomes more refugees, the demand for support to help them thrive grows while we continue to fail to meet the needs of others who already live on the land and who have been traditionally marginalized. Yet, in this midst of global conflicts, we must also critically examine our country's role in contributing to this instability and insecurity, including through the arms trade.
While technology advances rapidly, our journey towards healing feels slow, and disrupted marked by the lingering effects of the pandemic and the legacy of colonization and genocide. Urgencies surround us, from preparing for wildfires to supporting those without shelter. Despite progress in settling claims with groups like Sixties Scoopers and Day School Survivors, questions linger about the continued erasure of Indigenous rights.
The multitude of crises we face globally demand a reevaluation of how we navigate our relationship with the land, while also addressing economic rights, such as access to food and shelter, as outlined in international human rights instruments. While acknowledgments of past harms are made, systemic changes that dismantle colonial structures remain elusive. Law enforcement, prisons, child welfare, and healthcare systems are strained, lacking transformative visions that centre the needs of marginalized communities.
The past year marked a significant milestone for human rights and for us at JHC. We commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the foundation upon which our organization was built. Our commitment to amplifying human rights messages and shedding light on violations was evident during the Ignite Change Convention, where over 1000 individuals from across the country convened to discuss crucial topics such as Indigenous rights, anti-racism, and gender-based violence.
Looking ahead, there's a growing commitment to embed human rights education and engagement into our collective consciousness. We invite you to contribute to this legacy by supporting the John Humphrey Centre's Trust Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation. These resources will foster innovative approaches to addressing human rights issues and expanding education efforts.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, members, and contractors who stand with JHC daily. Your tireless efforts are reflected in this report, showcasing the strength of our team and our commitment to building an organization that values each individual and fosters community engagement. As we move forward, may 2024 bring us closer to a world where conflict fades, and safety, dignity, security and freedom are realized for all.
Renée Vaugeois, Executive Director
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights