The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice:

International Human Rights Day Recognized in Our Province

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to recognize International Human Rights Day. Every year since the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, International Human Rights Day has been celebrated throughout our province and across the world.

Mr. Speaker, the declaration outlines common principles - whether they be political, civil, cultural, social, or economic rights - that individuals, groups, and countries around the world can use as guiding examples to uphold.

This year, the theme of International Human Rights Day is My Voice Counts. The focus is on the rights of all people to be heard on issues that are important to them, and the theme recognizes that it is critical that everyone be included in decision-making.

This theme is especially relevant to all sitting here today, Mr. Speaker. By choosing those people who will represent them, the citizens of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador play an important role in making the decisions that shape their communities. This government continues to encourage all citizens of the province to take part in elections at all levels. It also continues to support citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and to freedom of expression. In our province, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that the law of human rights in the province is upheld. The commission is committed to promoting an understanding of and acceptance of human rights as outlined in the new Human Rights Act which was proclaimed by our government in 2010.

Furthermore, our government has demonstrated our commitment to open, accountable and transparent government, through the establishment of an Office of Public Engagement that will ensure effective, targeted and interactive public consultations. Indeed, for this government, every voice counts.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all Honourable members to join me in recognizing International Human Rights Day and to reflect on the importance of promoting equality, understanding, and mutual respect for all.

Thank you.

2012 12 10                      2:35 p.m.