Cheryl Cundill says that's why International Human Rights Day is so important to the world. Peterborough will be doing its part by having an event in Confederation Park Dec. 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"Everyone has rights that need to be respected. We might not have the same opinions all the time, but we are all still entitled to courtesy, dignity and respect," says Cheryl.

After a brief introduction, Joyce Barrett will speak on security certificates for new Canadians. The Raging Grannys will sing two songs, one directly related to security certificates, and then there will be a candle lighting event.

For the candle lighting, each person will take an index card with a name written on it of a person who has had their human rights violated. Each person will read aloud the name on the card and proceed to light a candle for that person.

Pepi Castro, a poet, has written a new poem and will read it to those assembled. The Peterborough agenda for Human Rights Day also includes singer Jill Jones followed by everyone joining in to sing a song of peace.

The event is sponsored by The New Canadians' Centre, Community and Race Relations, and Amnesty International.

Cheryl says it is part of the mandate of Community and Race Relations to partner with other local organizations and this event is a natural fit.

"This evening will help us keep this in the forefront of our minds. It's important to know we have rights that must be respected," she says.

Cheryl says upholding the rights of people world wide as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the focus.

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