December 10 is International Human Rights Day. This commemorates the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. This declaration set the foundation for an international standard of human rights acknowledged by countries worldwide. On this day, we also remember John Peters Humphrey, a Canadian man who played a key role in writing this universal declaration.
Language access plays an important role in this day and this declaration. Language barriers can prevent people from understanding their innate rights, getting justice, and feeling comfortable living. However, professional translation and interpretation services bridge this gap, connecting linguistically diverse communities with information and resources in their native language. By engaging in professional translation services from a professional translation agency, you help to create a more inclusive world.
Understanding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, setting the standard for human rights worldwide. After several decades of international conflict, the document was designed to be a global blueprint that safeguarded basic rights in different legal systems. The United Nations General Assembly sought to establish fundamentals that every person was entitled to, including the right to education, access to justice, and protection against discrimination, regardless of national or social origin.
One of the biggest barriers to people exercising these rights is the language barrier. Language access comes down to human dignity, regardless of nationality, background, language, or other identifying information. While the UDHR is translated into over 570 languages, the world of providing language access extends beyond this document and this day.
Canada’s Legacy: The Role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canada has a long legacy of protecting fundamental human rights. John Peters Humphrey played an important role in this legacy as the principal writer of the UDHR. His work set the standard for protecting human rights worldwide, a legacy that Canada continues to carry today through inclusive multicultural policies and efforts to preserve Indigenous languages.
Did You Know?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world, with 576 languages and counting. This global accessibility highlights the importance of providing language access to multilingual communities. Professional translation services do the same, breaking down communication barriers and including everyone in important conversations. Language access connects people on a personal level, fostering dignity and helping to create a strong community.
The UDHR is not the only United Nations declaration supported by translation services. Language services also support sustainability and equity policies like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For businesses, government agencies, and non-profits, translation services can help make a big impact.
Provide Multilingual Legal Resources
The UDHR has been instrumental over the past decades in shaping local laws and legal systems to promote fundamental freedoms and justice for all. A major part of justice for all is ensuring that people understand their legal rights, obligations, and options, regardless of their language. Legal translation services, translating documents such as tenant rights guides, immigration information, or Miranda Rights, help individuals understand their rights in all instances.
Translate Healthcare and Human Resources Information
Providing translated healthcare resources empowers individuals in your community to make informed decisions about their health, their children’s health, and any other dependents they may have. For multilingual companies, human resources translations make a positive difference.
Offer Educational Campaigns
Translating your educational materials expands the reach and awareness of your campaign. To ensure that everyone can access important information, take it a step further by offering eLearning translations on important topics such as human rights, discrimination prevention, and public health initiatives. These are the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Support Indigenous Language Rights
Canada is, and has been, a linguistically diverse country. Indigenous languages are a key piece of Indigenous cultural identity. Translation services allow you to create important documents in Indigenous languages to support Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond.
Taking Action for a Just World
Human rights include education, access to justice, and protection against discrimination. However, language barriers often prevent people from exercising these rights. Human dignity is fundamental to rights that belong to everyone, regardless of nationality, language, national or social origin, or background. Understanding and advocating for fellow humans and one’s own rights through language services fosters global kinship and justice.
Creating an equal world takes action. Action to protect fundamental rights, address discrimination, and speak up against injustice. Human Rights Day reminds us to take action, not just on December 10, but every day, to amplify marginalized voices, support our community, and work for the betterment of all human beings.
Ways You Can Use Translation Services to Take Action:
- Empower Community Leaders. Translated resources support community outreach efforts and maximize the reach of existing messaging by empowering community leaders to connect with diverse groups of people throughout the community.
- Enhance Accessibility of Public Information. Public information needs to reach everyone. Translating public service announcements ensures everyone can get the message, making government support and non-profit programs accessible to all Canadians.
- Support Multilingual Education Initiatives. Education is a fundamental right enshrined in the UDHR. Ensure everyone can access learning opportunities with translated educational materials, learning resources, and training documents.
- Collaborate with Grassroots Organizations. Interpretation services increase language access at in-person or live events, creating a space where people can fully participate, regardless of language.
Specialized Language Services for Human Rights
Human rights translation and interpretation services work to create a more equitable world by providing equal access to information and services. How can your business be a part of this?
Legal Translation and Interpretation
- Translate legal documents to ensure clarity, including contracts, leases, legal notices, and court documents.
- Provide interpretation services during in-person meetings, depositions, court hearings, or immigration interviews.
Healthcare Translation and Interpretation
- Ensure equitable access to healthcare information with medical translation, including medical guides, prescription information, consent forms, and patient rights information.
- Professional interpretation services during doctor appointments facilitate clear communication between patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers.
Educational Materials
- Provide translated educational materials for human rights courses and eLearning
- Live interpretation at training sessions or equity workshops helps ensure everyone understands.
Advocacy Campaigns
- Translate existing materials such as petitions, social media, and websites to increase campaign reach across the world
- Provide interpretation services at rallies or other live events for multilingual audiences
Partner With JR Language Canada
JR Language Canada is proud to partner with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to end language barriers, overcome communication issues, and ensure the smooth flow of information for multilingual audiences.
Human Rights Day encourages us all to take action for the betterment of all human beings—and you can take action to provide language access with just one email. Reach out to our team today to learn how professional document translation and interpretation services can help you promote equality, justice, and inclusion across Canada and beyond.
