|
NLIS 2 March 20, 2002 (Justice) The following statement was issued today by Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons. It was also read in the House of Assembly: International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination I rise today to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March 21 marks the 42nd anniversary of the day in 1960 when more than 70 peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed and over 180 were injured in South Africa. The General Assembly of the United Nations has designed March 21, 2002, as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador joins with others who will be celebrating this day. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and treatment should exist for all people. Every resident of our province has a right to realize his or her full potential regardless of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, and live at all times in conditions of dignity, respect and peace. The elimination of racial discrimination and racism can be accomplished if we allow ourselves to live with understanding and respect for those around us. This is a social and moral responsibility of us all. I would take this opportunity to commend the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Association in this area. Their message, and the province�s message, is 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 work together so we can live in a society where all of us are seen as equals. 2002 03 20 2:25 p.m. |
|||||
|
|||||
