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Justice
December 10, 2012

The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

Human Rights Commission Recognizes and Celebrates Human Rights Day

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission is recognizing and celebrating Human Rights Day today (Monday, December 10). Each year, Human Rights Day is celebrated internationally on the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

The declaration provides a set of common principles on political, civil, cultural, social, and economic rights that individuals, societies, and nations around the world can hold up as an example and strive to uphold. While it is not a binding document, in the 64 years since its adoption, the declaration has inspired many nations and governments, including both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, to enact laws that ensure human rights will be recognized and upheld.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 recognizes that every individual is free and equal in dignity and rights. It is public policy in this province to provide for equal rights and opportunities to every person without discrimination that is contrary to law. Individuals in the province are protected from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, social origin, religious creed, religion, age, disability, disfigurement, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, marital status, family status, source of income and political opinion.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission is responsible for upholding the law of human rights in the province by investigating allegations of discrimination or harassment contrary to the rights set out in the Act, and by promoting the protection of human rights through public education and policy development. In the 2011-12 fiscal year, the Commission received 942 human rights inquiries and accepted 90 official complaints of discrimination. A total of 72 complaint files were concluded.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission joins with others in Newfoundland and Labrador who are celebrating Human Rights Day 2012. The Commission calls on individuals and organizations in this province to reflect on the importance of promoting equality, understanding, and mutual respect for all members of our community. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve these rights in our society and for future generations.

For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca opens in new window

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Media contact:
Carey Majid
Executive Director
Human Rights Commission
709-729-2709
1-800-563-5808
CareyMajid@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 10                               4:05 p.m.

 
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