Tuesday, Dec. 13

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Illinois commemorates International Human Rights Day          Send a link to a friend

Department of Human Rights combats discrimination, racism and hate crimes

[DEC. 13, 2005]  CHICAGO -- Millions of people all over the world observed Dec. 10 as International Human Rights Day, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights commemorated the occasion with an informative, educational 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 R. Blagojevich that strengthen the Illinois Human Rights Act.

"Today we celebrate International Human Rights 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," Blagojevich said in observing the occasion. "By signing and implementing new laws that strengthen the Illinois Human Rights Act, the state is making sure individuals are protected against discrimination."

On Dec. 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration represents a common statement of goals regarding human rights and other fundamental freedoms. It recognizes, among other things: the fundamental rights of all people to life, liberty and the security of person; the right to an adequate standard of living; the right to own property; the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right to education, freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment.

"Human Rights Day is our chance to commemorate the work of human rights workers -- whether they protect the rights of employees or of those seeking decent housing or of those who are challenged by life-and-death issues around the world," said Rocco Claps, director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. "Under the governor's leadership, IDHR and the Commission on Hate Crimes and Discrimination will continue to aggressively protect Illinoisans from discrimination."

The department enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on a variety of bases, including race, sex, age, color, national origin, disability and against sexual harassment -- in employment, housing, public accommodations and financial credit. The agency provides individuals with an avenue to address unlawful discrimination, and through education and outreach it increases awareness among individuals and helps them recognize forms of unlawful discrimination. The department constantly monitors its operations to ensure that staff members are trained to rapidly and effectively respond to issues of discrimination and to seek appropriate remedies for affected parties.

In 2004 alone, the department received over 4,000 charges of discrimination and responded to more than 17,000 inquiries. During the last three years, the department trained over 6,000 people on how to avoid discrimination in the workplace and in housing and has audited public contractors and other state agencies to ensure that they follow Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action guidelines.

Blagojevich has taken additional measures to protect individuals and families against discrimination in Illinois, including:

  • Signing into law House Bill 917, which makes it a civil violation to coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with an individual's right to fair housing, including discriminatory actions such as racial slurs and hate crimes. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

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  • Signing into law Senate Bill 287, which makes it a hate crime to harass or threaten an individual through telephones, faxes or e-mails, including intentionally interrupting an individual's telephone service. The law went into effect upon signing.
  • Signing into law Senate Bill 3186, which extends protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect people from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. The state of Illinois holds the distinction of being one of 15 states to protect an individual from discrimination because of his or her sexual orientation. Illinois is only one of five states to offer protection for gender identity. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights has expanded its programs to meet the challenges of growth in an ever-more-complex world. Through www.state.il.us/dhr, the public has access to the Human Rights Act, rules and regulations, forms for filing a charge, model policies, and applications to qualify for bidding on state contracts. The department continues to educate the public about the causes and effects of discrimination and the right to live and work in an environment free from unequal treatment.

This year, the department hosted the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, which brought national prominence to Illinois and a focus on the work of department. The current membership for the association is 187 human and civil rights agencies in the United States, Bermuda, Canada and Ghana.

 

Along with the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Department of Human Rights also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act, which was created to protect Illinoisans from discrimination and to establish and promote equal opportunity for all. The governor's Human Rights Award was presented to several human rights activists and organizations that worked toward building tolerance and protecting the civil liberties of minority communities. ["Gov. Blagojevich commemorates 25th anniversary of the Illinois Human Rights Act"]

The Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes was established to combat hate and discrimination in Illinois, with its primary emphasis on education as a tool to change pervasive attitudes of intolerance and bigotry. Commissioners were recently appointed to actively work with law enforcement, the courts, religious leaders, schools, community organizations and social service agencies to educate and foster acceptance and tolerance. The commission will suggest statutory changes that will further uproot sources of discrimination and bias.

Any individual wishing to file a discrimination complaint can do so in writing, by phone or in person with any office of the Department of Human Rights, generally within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. More information and complaint forms are available through http://www.state.il.us/dhr.

[Illinois Department of Human Rights news release]


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