December 10th was the United Nations’ International Day for Human Rights. Typically, we would mark the day with a public event and presentation of the annual Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards. While current public health restrictions have prevented us from welcoming the public to join us in a celebration of human rights in our province, we are still presenting awards and reflecting, perhaps now more than ever, on the importance human rights play in our daily lives. Therefore, we join the United Nations and the global community in observing this year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Recover Better: Stand Up for Human Rights”.

2020 has been a challenging year. The Commission is aware every single day of the impact that COVID-19 is having on people across Nova Scotia. There is a need for concrete action to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on already marginalized Nova Scotians and on the need to confront systemic racism, intolerance, and hate in our province.

Despite the difficulties we have collectively faced, Nova Scotians stepped up in amazing ways. As usual, the Awards Committee had a difficult task. The recipients of this year’s awards do important work to strengthen and promote human rights as a matter of course and calling.

In the coming weeks, the Commission will share more details about this year’s recipients via our website and social media. Without our usual public celebration, we hope to shine a light on their important work ...