Human Rights Day, December 10

"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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