The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) commemorated International Human Rights Day in December with a display in the James R. Thompson Center.
The display featured the accomplishments of human-rights activists and advocacy groups; the work and achievements of the Department; and new laws recently signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich that strengthen the Illinois Human Rights Act, according to an IDHR press release. Blagojevich stated that, on Saturday, people marked the day ‘by remembering the millions of people who fight discrimination and hatred and strive to maintain the dignity and freedom of every human being across the globe. By signing and implementing new laws that strengthen the Illinois Human Rights Act, the state is making sure individuals are protected against discrimination.’ IDHR Director Rocco Claps added that ‘Human Rights Day is our chance to commemorate the work of human-rights workers,
whether they protect the rights of employees … or of those who are challenged by life-and-death issues around the world.’
On Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that represents a common statement of aims regarding human rights and other fundamental freedoms.