Human rights have been a heavy topic of conversation in recent years as violence towards race, sexual orientation and unsafe work conditions have been a concern throughout the country.
The Phoenix Human Relations Commission (HRC) is conducting a human rights survey starting this month.
The HRC intends to prioritize the education of Phoenix citizens on various topics, including human rights and how as a commission, they can better the city through public workshops.
Many of the topics included in the survey present the opportunity to check off multiple boxes on issues citizens believe the Phoenix government needs to address. It also offers an option to submit their email to receive invitations for workshops, educational material, events and upcoming calls to action.
“Mental awareness, civil rights…” said Shanna Archie, HRC liaison, when discussing topics listed on the survey.
Archie named issues like homelessness, hostile work environment, fair housing, human trafficking, law enforcement and use of force in the survey.
These are just some of the topics the HRC would like to address in the coming months to make the city of Phoenix a more inclusive place for all its residents.
Partnership with community partners and activists helping residents within the city of Phoenix is the highest priority. The HRC ensures these human rights topics are handled appropriately by using methods easier to understand for the average individual.
Henry Lam, HRC commissioner, explained another issue affecting Metro Phoenix.
“I think the topic these days is making sure you are able to afford rent for your apartment,” said Lam. “Fair housing is important because there shouldn’t be discrimination against trying to find housing, but I think it’s a little bit deeper that the rent increases all over the city.”
Arizona’s housing shortage and inflation hurt many residents of all ages and incomes, especially after COVID-19.
According to azcentral.com, Maricopa’s population rate experienced the most growth out of any other U.S. county after COVID-19.
Fellow HRC commissioner Theressa “Terri” Jackson said, “I had mentioned before in the previous meeting that someone had reached out to me that a lot of Section 8 related housing in Phoenix has declined and decreased.”
“People, especially elderly people, were being kicked out of their apartments as a result of that because of the rent [increase],” she said.
Fixing these issues will take time and a budget to move forward. The HRC hopes to establish funding once the survey results show what Phoenix residents are most concerned about in the coming months.
Through planning, this survey from HRC could educate, bring awareness and make substantial changes to better the lives of Phoenix residents and decrease the amount of discrimination throughout the city.
The HRC will meet again on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. to discuss additional agenda items.
Contact the reporter at almonto2@asu.edu.
