I rise today to acknowledge December 10 as International Human Rights Day. Each year, this day is set aside in recognition of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The focus of this year�s Human Rights Day is non-discrimination and we are all encouraged to "Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination."

Mr. Speaker, prosperous, peaceful and open societies embrace diversity and aim to end discrimination. As we continue to open our arms to peoples from around the world and share our prosperity and peace, we must continue to embrace the principle of non-discrimination. Nobody, regardless of their age, race, religion, political opinion, marital or family status, sex, sexual orientation, disability or background should face discrimination. Indeed, embracing non-discrimination is fundamental to our success as a people.

Last year on this date the Provincial Government announced that consultations would take place as part of government�s goal to revise the Human Rights Code of Newfoundland and Labrador, a fundamental document for our province. To encourage and stimulate debate on this topic the Department of Justice prepared a consultation document which was available to each resident of the province. This consultation process included consultation sessions throughout the province and also encouraged individuals and groups to prepare and make submissions via mail and the Internet.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the many organizations that made representation during the consultation process, along with the general public and indeed members of this House of Assembly. The Department of Justice is still in the process of reviewing the submissions received, however, I am confident suggestions from the people of the province will no doubt form a substantial part of this new code. I look forward to presenting a revised Human Rights Code to the people of the province in this legislature during the next session.

Today, as we mark International Human Rights Day, it is important to keep in mind the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights." This is a truly powerful statement, one which should be echoed throughout our world, and indeed one that we should embrace and live by each and every day.