Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of International Trade and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie on Human Rights Day

December 10, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:

“Human rights are universal, indivisible and must apply equally to everyone. As a country, Canada takes great care to live up to the words found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Canadian John Humphrey helped to craft following one of history’s darkest periods. That declaration was the first of what became a series of declarations and treaties that established international standards in this vital area.  

“But we can and must do more. It is why Canada is supportive of the international rules-based order that has at its core the notions of human rights, democracy and respect for the rule of law.

“It is why we recently passed the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, which enables Canada to sanction, impose travel bans on and hold accountable those responsible for gross human rights violations around the world.

“It is why, in June, we adopted a Feminist International Assistance Policy to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including sexual and reproductive rights.

“It is why we are cultivating the next generation of female entrepreneurs and ensuring that all women benefit equally from the opportunities that flow from global trade, trade agreements and investment.

“And it is why, as co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition for 2017-19, we will be hosting a Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development in Canada next year.

“On Human Rights Day, we pay tribute to all of the brave people, past and present, who stand up and fight against human rights violations and abuses and all other forms of injustice. Together, we can, and must, continue to pursue equality for all.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP @CanadaTrade @CanadaDev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada
Canada’s international trade – Global Affairs Canada
Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada