Activists push for equality on Human Rights Day
A collective of peacekeeping organisations gathered at City Hall today to celebrate the ratification of universal rights by the United Nations.
Activists used the annual Human Rights Day to remind Bermudians to take a stand and speak out against injustice in personal interactions as well as on a global stage.
Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, said: “We as Bermudians, even though we are small, we are called to respond in a way that supports human rights.
“We have to maintain that sense of a human family here on our small Bermuda and we have to demonstrate our solidarity with people around the world and thereby reinforcing our own human rights.”
The day recognises the adoption by the UN of the Declaration of Human Rights three years after the Second World War.
The document codified a list of freedoms, such as access to proper necessities and an inherent sense of dignity, that were considered to be universal and inherent to all people.
Mr Fubler said that human rights were being challenged in many places around the world from conflict and political tension.
He pointed to the Israel-Hamas war and also touched on last week’s killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of the US insurance company UnitedHealth Group, which received a mixed response over social media and sparked a debate around the US healthcare system.
Mr Fubler said that the fight for human rights should be “committed to peaceful action” and highlighted the importance of everyone reflecting on what “inhumanity” could lead to.
He also warned that the demonisation of other people would lead directly to division and “a sense of chaos”.
Mr Fubler added: “I think that’s what we’re witnessing in our neighbour to the west — a degree of chaos.
“Any commitment on the part of people moving towards human rights recognises the importance of all human beings and thereby addressing issues in a peaceful way, thereby effecting real change.”
Mr Fubler gave a reminder that most of the atrocities to have happened under Nazi Germany were carried out with the complacency of others.
He then urged people to look critically at the behaviours around them and to take a stand against people who have infringed on the rights of others.
The Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors used Human Rights Day to reflect on the strides her ministry had made for Bermuda.
Tinée Furbert said her ministry continued to pursue amendments to the Human Rights Act 1981 to address gaps in protections against discrimination.
These included discrimination based on income and association, as well as prejudice when renting property and ways to better address perceived biases.
Ms Furbert added: “The ministry will make considerations for the Human Rights Commission to issue guidelines to provide guidance to clarify ‘family status’ within the Human Rights Act 1981, to reflect the diverse and evolving needs of Bermuda's families.
“In addition, the ministry reaffirms its dedication to eradicating violence against women and children, aligning our efforts with the UN Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.
“Human Rights Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to treat each other fairly and respectfully.
“We must continue to strengthen our protections so that everyone, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, feels safe and valued in Bermuda.
“These are not abstract ideas — they are about the way we treat one another every day.
“This ministry remains committed to listening, learning and acting to create a more inclusive Bermuda for all Bermudians.”
Aaron Crichlow, from Bermuda Is Love, noted that human rights stretched beyond freedom from oppression and the ability to express oneself.
He added that they also involved access to education and healthcare, as well as freedom from “the crushing weight of poverty”.
Mr Crichlow said: “On this Human Rights Day, let’s affirm our commitment to the full spectrum of human rights and let us build a movement in the name of love for all humanity that ensures every individual has an opportunity to live a life of dignity, of security and freedom.”
Lisa Reed, the executive officer of the Human Rights Commission, warned that ignoring human rights violations, no matter how small, “only leaves room for injustice to grow”.
She said that the violations exist in Bermuda, with their most visible forms being racial discrimination, gender inequality, economic disparity and marginalising people with disabilities.
Ms Reed added: “Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that our rights are protected and the rights of others are upheld.
“I urge us all to learn about and take advantage of the hard-fought human rights protections and obligations that exist here in Bermuda.”
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