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

Minister Recognizes International Human Rights Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize today as International Human Rights Day. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and this day marks the adoption of the declaration as the universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. In recognition of today, we reaffirm that all human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms. This year’s occasion is particularly poignant as the world lost one of its greatest champions for human rights last week with the passing of Nelson Mandela.

It has been 20 years since the position of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was created, so the theme for 2013 is 20 Years: Working For Your Rights. The Office of the High Commissioner is an independent authority that focuses on advocacy, monitoring and training. Through those activities, the office contributes to legislative and policy reforms to increase accountability for human rights violations and advance human rights around the world. Though we celebrate the significant progress that has been made by the Office of the High Commissioner and by the world in general in the last two decades, the emphasis is on the future. Many challenges lie ahead in the struggle to enhance the dignity, freedom, and rights of all people.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government believes in the fundamental human rights and in the worth and equality of all residents. In 2010, Newfoundland and Labrador took a significant step forward when the new Human Rights Act, 2010 was passed. The act ensures that individuals in this 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, sexual orientation, marital or family status, source of income or political opinion.

In the three years since the Human Rights Act, 2010 was passed, we have done significant work. Just last month, we were very pleased to introduce amendments to the act to explicitly prohibit discrimination and/or harassment based on gender identity and gender expression. There is no place in society for discrimination, and the Provincial Government will continue to ensure that our human rights legislation sets a progressive course for the protection of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable members in this House to join me in recognizing International Human Rights Day and in acknowledging that each and every resident of Newfoundland and Labrador must be afforded fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 12 10                                     1:55 p.m.