December 10, 2014 – Canadian foreign policy has been, and continues to be, centred around the promotion and protection of human rights. In Canada, all people are born free and equal under the law. In our pluralistic society, Canadians are free to live in peace and security—regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Our society has made Canada the envy of the world.
In a world where basic human rights and freedoms are not always upheld, guaranteed or recognized, we know that a society based around pluralism is one where people can be free and prosper.
Canada has been a voice for the voiceless in a world where injustice is far too common. You can see it in the Office of Religious Freedom and our commitment to freedom of expression and assembly. You can see it in our dedication to empowering women, including work for young girls in the Maternal and Child Health Initiative, and our campaign to end child, early and forced marriage. Canada stands for what is right and just, regardless of whether it is popular, convenient or expedient.
On this day, the Government of Canada embraces and renews its pledge to defend the rights of the oppressed and give voice to the voiceless, because human rights and human dignity belong to all of us, without exception.
John Baird
Foreign Affairs Minister
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
