Friday, August 12, 2016

Edina Declared a Human Rights City

Edina, Minn., Aug. 11, 2016 – The Edina City Council recently proclaimed Edina as a “Human Rights City.” The self-designation states that residents and local authorities understand that human rights assist in identifying issues and informing the actions in the community for meaningful positive economic, political, cultural and social change.

Cities around the world are making this declaration after the United Nations began a project aimed to develop Human Rights Cities to build infrastructure for racial justice, conflict prevention, human security, enduring development, and create a place for active civic engagement at the local, national and global level.

“The City of Edina is the first city in the state of Minnesota to dedicate itself to being a Human Rights City. That's particularly significant because it highlights the city's firm commitment to human rights and it serves to continue and enhance the city's ongoing efforts to ensure human rights protections for all who live, work and study in the city,” said Human Rights & Relations Commission Chair Pat Arseneault. “It’s really a long-term commitment to address critical issues that face our community; it serves to strengthen the community and make it a better place for everyone.”

In addition to an increased mindfulness of human rights issues, Human Rights Cities serve as a model for communities in the United States and around the world to exemplify practical ways human rights framework can make every person a partner in enduring change; and commits to reducing discrimination, inequality, racism, and xenophobia in all aspects of civic life, including housing, education, economic opportunity, safety and security, religious and cultural expression, and access to public institutions.

“By ensuring you have human rights protections within the city, you’re really making the quality of life within the city better. This is Edina’s public statement that we are committed to continue the protection and enhancement of human rights within Edina,” said Arseneault.

For more information contact HRRC Staff Liaison MJ Lamon at 952-826-0360 or MLamon@EdinaMN.gov.

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The City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424
mail@EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861

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