December 10, 1998
(Justice)

The following statement was issued today by Chirs Decker, Minister of Justice.

50th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Today I join with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations 50 years ago today, forms the centrepiece of much of the international law of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

In Canada, the influence of the Universal Declaration can be seen in both the Canadian Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Of particular importance is the recognition provided in the Universal Declaration of the inherent dignity and equality of all peoples and nations, and that respect for the rights of people is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

This province's own Human Rights Code is a reflection of the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Many of the principles of the Universal Declaration, particularly the principles of respect for the rights of people and the ability of people to live their lives without discrimination, are to be found in the Human Rights Code of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Last year, government strengthened our code with an amendment to include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground for discrimination in recognition of the need to bring our legislation in line with the needs of the 21st century.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the work of the Human Rights Commission. The commission has been instrumental in upholding the importance of the respect for human rights in this province.

Earlier this week, the commission announced it has published an Annotated Human Rights Code and launched its own World Wide web site.

On behalf of the government, I wish to thank the commission for its efforts to date and congratulate the commission on these most recent accomplishments.

This year, Newfoundland and Labrador will join every Canadian province and territory, and other member nations, in celebrating the anniversary of this historic declaration.

Together, we will reaffirm our commitment to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take their freedoms for granted. But the rights and freedoms we enjoy today are the result of years of struggle by individuals and groups who wish to live in a just society.

Today, as we celebrate this important anniversary, we appreciate and give thanks for the rights and freedoms we do enjoy and affirm government's commitment to ensuring our rights and freedoms are maintained and strengthened for the future.

1998 12 10 3:50 p.m.