A Commitment to Human Rights

When the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights was built in the late 1980s, it was the first monument in the world dedicated to the fundamental concepts of personal freedom and respect for the dignity of each individual. It challenges us to cherish and to foster these enduring human values.

The Tribute, popularly known as the ”Human Rights Monument,” was realized by a community of volunteers from across Canada engaged in many struggles addressing the rights of all people. It was designed by Montreal artist Melvin Charney, built in 1989-90, and unveiled in September 1990 by the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Enter the Tribute. A path traces a symbolic procession through the red granite portal inscribed with the first words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

“All human beings are born free and equal
in dignity and rights.”

Canada affirmed the Declaration when it was adopted by the United Nations in 1948.