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Human Rights Day, December 10
December 9, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
"On this day, the citizens of the world honour the 48th
anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
As Canadians, we have a role, both at home and abroad, to
continue to promote the recognition of human rights as a cornerstone
of good and humane governance. Canada holds a respected position
in the world community because of its advocacy of human rights,
a commitment which is underlined in our Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms.
Our Charter evolved from the most important and far-reaching
of all United Nations declarations, the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights. Conceived as a 'common standard of achievement
for all peoples and all nations,' the Declaration has set
the direction for subsequent work in the field of human rights,
and has become the universal measure of respect for, and compliance
with, international human rights standards.
Human Rights Day provides an occasion for us to consider the
accomplishments of the past 48 years in the promotion and protection
of basic human rights around the world. We must ensure that Canada
remains a prosperous, generous and caring society which champions
the values of respect, tolerance, freedom, and democracy, embodied
in this solemn Declaration."
The House of Commons will hold a special debate on the significant
role of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, December
10, 1996, at 8:00 p.m.
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