The Virtue of Tolerance

Canada's reputation for tolerance owes much to one Canadian whose human rights legacy lives on today.

Text by Canada’s History

 — Posted March 6, 2016

John Humphrey is not a household name to most Canadians, but it should be.

Black and white photograph
John Humphrey, left, at the United Nations in 1948.
McGill University

The Montreal legal scholar was the principal author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was described as the international “Magna Carta of all mankind” when it was adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

Even though it is not legally binding, the declaration has been adopted in or has influenced most national constitutions since 1948. It has also served as the foundation for a growing number of national and international laws and treaties.

Humphrey was associated with McGill University in Montreal. In this video, Payam Akhavan, an associate law professor at McGill University, argues why Humphrey should be considered one of the university’s greatest alumni.

You could win a free book!

Sign up for any of our newsletters and be eligible to win one of many book prizes available.

Sign up now!
Help keep Canada’s stories strong (and free)

We hope you will help us continue to share fascinating stories about Canada’s past.

 

We highlight our nation’s diverse past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, and by making those stories accessible to everyone through our free online content.

 

Canada’s History is a registered charity that depends on contributions from readers like you to share inspiring and informative stories with students and citizens of all ages — award-winning stories written by Canada’s top historians, authors, journalists, and history enthusiasts.

 

Any amount helps, or better yet, start a monthly donation today. Your support makes all the difference. Thank you! 

Support Canada's History

More about Canada’s history of advancing human rights can be found in the article “Slow Road to Tolerance” by Allan Levine in the April-May 2016 issue of Canada’s History magazine. 

Themes associated with this article

Related to Arts, Culture & Society

Lost Stories Found

Collaboration by historians and artists reveals diverse histories.

Article

Where were you in '72?

Readers send us their memories of the ‘72 Summit Series and the goal of the century.

Article

Capturing the North

Photographer Lorene Squire’s pioneering forays into northern Canada in the 1930s provided fascinating views of the North — but her career would tragically be cut short.  

Video

Early NHL: Spanish Flu

The Stanley Cup Finals have only been cancelled twice in the history of the NHL and first time was the 1918–1919 season when the Spanish Flu infected the Montreal Canadiens locker room.

Article