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March 21, 2000
(Justice)


The following statement was issued today by Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Justice. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to ask honourable members to join me, and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, in recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated March 21, 2000 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador joins with others who are celebrating this day.

I am sure I speak for my colleagues when I say that this province is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and treatment should exist for all people.

The elimination of racism and racial discrimination can be accomplished through understanding and respect for the dignity of all people, and is the social and moral responsibility of each person.

This morning I had the opportunity to attend a very special event at Memorial University. In an effort to promote public awareness of this important day, Hands Against Discrimination, an organization formed through the School of Social Work at Memorial University, and the Association of New Canadians hosted an interactive display to invite people to make their pledge to end discrimination.

As part of the display, participants were encouraged to place their hands in paint, and then place them on a piece of treated canvas. Participants were then asked to sign their name above their hand print as a symbol of their pledge.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers of this event.

I would also like to repeat their message, and this province�s message, that discrimination is a serious social problem experienced by people worldwide. It is important that we stand up for those who have been discriminated against and those who will be affected by racial discrimination in the future.

2000 03 21                                                             2:35 p.m.


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