On International Human Rights Day, Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson attended a rally at Library Square to mobilize city residents to rise up against discrimination.

The mayor and many community leaders in attendance declared that they were signing a pledge called "101 Days of Action".

It calls upon signatories to speak out against hate and discrimination in any form in the period leading up to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2017.

“One of Vancouver’s greatest strengths is our diversity. Over the course of the last year we have welcomed refugees from around the world, passed an Access Without Fear policy, and recommitted our efforts to being a City of Reconciliation, but there is more work to be done to ensure Vancouver is a safe and compassionate city for everyone,” Robertson said in a news release. “The 101 Days of Action pledge demonstrates that we believe in shared values of equality, anti-racism, and freedom from injustice. Recent events around the world and close to home have left many of our loved ones feeling vulnerable, and hate can only be overcome when we stand in solidarity and empower each other to speak out—and call out—discrimination when we see it.”

Among those in attendance were representatives of Al Jamia Masjid, Battered Women's Support Services, Gordon Neighbourhood House, Immigrant Services Society of B.C., Migrante B.C., Multifaith Action Society, Khalsa Diwan Society, and Out On Screen.

https://twitter.com/VanMayorsOffice/status/807688019062857728

In some respects, the campaign resembles Burnaby-based Spice Radio's Hands Up Against Racism campaign. It was launched last year by broadcaster Shushma Datt to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The 101 Days of Action come in the wake of leaflets being distributed in the region warning of a Chinese takeover. There have also been a spate of stories in the English-language media raising the alarm over a wide range of issues relating to immigration, multiculturalism, and diversity. These include "birth tourism", foreign investment in residential real estate, requiring immigrants to adhere to Canadian values, and criminal behaviour by people from overseas.

The news release mentioned that there will be another rally in Vancouver against discrimination on March 19, 2017, which is two days before the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Below, you can read the full text of the pledge:

WHEREAS We acknowledge that recent events outside our borders and within our own neighbourhoods have left many of our friends, families, and fellow citizens in a vulnerable state. While their lived experiences are a testament to courage and resiliency, we recognize that hate can only be overcome when we stand in solidarity and empower each other’s voices.

WHEREAS We recognize that the City of Vancouver has a long history of bias and discrimination. Historically it manifested itself in injustices such as race riots and people being denied the ability to buy homes in areas of the city or mortgages because of gender or sexual identity, and the erasure of neighbourhoods. More subtle forms of discrimination such as hateful slurs and distribution of racist flyers are equally damaging and continue to this day.

WHEREAS For traditionally marginalized communities it is easy to become desensitized to subtle acts of discrimination and racism. However, if we don’t call them out, they perpetuate.

WHEREAS The City of Vancouver is blessed with a long tradition of celebrating diversity and, more recently, of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities to stand up for our shared values of equality and respect.

WHEREAS, Indigenous communities, intercultural groups, labour organizations, non-profit organizations, artists, academics, and activists are the backbone of our rich history of community builders.

We the undersigned pledge:

To speak out against hate and discrimination of any form in our community.

To take part in a rally to be held on March 19, 2017, in observance of the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21st 2017.

That during the 101 days between December 10th and March 21st, we commit to work towards furthering our understanding of each other, building bridges across communities, and listening to our fellow citizens with empathy and compassion. Each of us has a responsibility to stand in solidarity with vulnerable groups and to protect our values of a welcoming and inclusive community.