I rise in this house to recognize today as International Human Rights Day. Sixty years ago today the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in response to the atrocities and horrors of the Second World War. The declaration has become a universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. Every year on this day, the United Nations marks the adoption of the declaration. The promise of the declaration is "Dignity and justice for all of us" which reinforces the vision that these fundamental rights should not be viewed as a luxury.

The first sentence of the preamble of the Universal Declaration is, "The recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." In recognizing Human Rights Day, we are recognizing that all human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms.

It is vitally important that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians adopt the declaration as an integral part of the way we think. Indeed, taking on the mantra that there is dignity and justice for all of us will go a long way toward ensuring that all residents of our province can participate equally in society.

Earlier today I announced that the Department of Justice will be commencing a review of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Code. It is essential that we have a Human Rights Code that is modern and reflects our society. The process will be inclusive and will allow members of the public to submit their views. I encourage everyone to take time and review the discussion document on the Department of Justice website and make a submission or participate in the upcoming public consultation sessions.

It is important that each and every resident of Newfoundland and Labrador has a right to equal treatment, whether before the courts, in their jobs or receiving public services. People from all walks of life deserve respect and it is critical the Provincial Government send a message that there is no place in society for discrimination.

While many regions of the world still face uphill battles in promoting and protecting human rights, we can be thankful in this country, and in this wonderful province, that we are able to ensure that fundamental human rights are protected. I believe that on this, the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this is something to be celebrated.