December 10, 2004 No. 149 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today issued the following statement to mark International Human Rights Day: “Over the last half-century, the advancement of human rights has been an important objective of Canadian foreign policy. Through such initiatives as the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Government of Canada has actively worked to improve the lives of individuals deprived of their rights. We have been instrumental in the ongoing development and implementation of the international human rights framework. “There continue to be serious challenges to the promotion and protection of human rights, including new ones stemming from current global tensions. International Human Rights Day not only reminds us of the progress made in the last 60 years, but it also forces us to recognize how much remains to be done to ensure that the human rights of all are respected around the world. “I commend the tireless efforts of human rights defenders across the globe, since without them human rights violations would go unreported and progress would be only too limited. Canadians have played a significant role in the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world. Canadian non-governmental organizations are also involved in a number of countries, often in partnership with local counterparts and human rights defenders, and they have played a concrete role where progress is needed the most. On this day, it is also fitting to pay tribute to all of those who have died defending human rights around the world, including peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, military personnel, members of civil society, government representatives, journalists and many others.” The United Nations has selected “Human Rights Education” as this year’s International Human Rights Day theme. Today, the United Nations General Assembly will devote a special plenary session to mark the end of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education and to proclaim a World Programme for Human Rights Education. As Chair of the Human Security Network, Canada will deliver a statement on the importance of human rights education as a tool for preventing human rights abuses, and will express the support of the Network for the continued engagement of the United Nations on this issue. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca
