December 10, 2008
No. 238
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"On December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The international community agreed and affirmed for the first time that everyone, regardless of colour, race, ethnicity or religious affiliation, has the right to basic dignity and justice.
"Sixty years on, Canada celebrates this major achievement, the foundation of global peace, democracy and freedom. We are also proud of, and grateful for, the bravery and commitment of human rights heroes such as Canadian John Humphrey, who penned the first draft of the Universal Declaration. This document is regarded as one of the most important of the 20th century and is the cornerstone of human rights protections worldwide.
"Canada has been a constant and active champion of international human rights. We will continue to take strong stands against human rights abuses, in defence of universal rights and fundamental freedoms. We will work with other governments, holding each other to account on our human rights records and supporting countries that are making sincere efforts to advance the human rights of their people.
"We will continue to strive for the fundamental freedoms and human rights of every man, woman and child, in all nations of the world, in order to fulfill the ideals of the Universal Declaration."
To mark this anniversary, Minister Cannon delivered a speech at the Ottawa headquarters of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and inaugurated an art exhibit by children from over 20 countries entitled "Children Have Rights."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
