The West Hartford Human Rights Commission hosted a celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Jan. 12, 2023.

Conard’s Voices of the World choir performs at the celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo credit: John Lyons

By Ronni Newton

After holding virtual events for the past two years, the West Hartford Human Rights Commission hosted an in-person celebration on Jan. 12, with dozens gathering in the Town Hall auditorium for a commemoration of the 74th anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The anniversary itself was on Dec. 10. On that day in 1948, a United Nations committee headed by Eleanor Roosevelt composed a document declaring the rights that everyone in the world should have: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

West Hartford’s diverse population was represented as residents – of all ages and representing many nationalities – took turns reading the declaration aloud.

Conard High School’s Voices of the World choral group provided musical entertainment during the celebration. Deputy Mayor Liam Sweeney read a proclamation on behalf of the mayor and the Town Council.

WHCI live-streamed the celebration and it is available for viewing on WHCI’s YouTube channel through the link below.

The West Hartford Human Rights Commission, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month, is co-chaired by Esam Boraey and Dawn Ennis. The commission’s board members, in addition to secretary Aurora Melita and Eric Schoenberg, who serves as treasurer, are Theodore Mancini and Kristyn Rosen-Jacobs. Pramod Pradhan serves as facilitator.

Conard’s Voices of the World choir performs at the celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo credit: John Lyons

Conard’s Voices of the World choir performs at the celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo credit: John Lyons

Students read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Photo credit: John Lyons

West Hartford Deputy Mayor Liam Sweeney reads a proclamation. Photo credit: John Lyons

Esam Boray (speaking) and Dawn Ennis (second from right) are co-chairs of the West Hartford Human Rights Commission. Photo credit: John Lyons

Sarah Raskin starts off the reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Photo credit: John Lyons

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