Justice and Public Safety
December 10, 2014
The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:
Human Rights Commission Marks Human Rights Day with New Canadians
The Human Rights Commission will mark International Human Rights Day on December 10 with a gathering at the Association for New Canadians' Language School at 10 Smithville Crescent. The commission chair and staff will discuss human rights with Language School students, and will mark the event through a social gathering and an exhibition of students' writing on the theme of human rights.
Every year, International Human Rights Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, which occurred on this date in 1948. The declaration provides 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.
Equal rights and opportunities for every person without discrimination are public policy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010, 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 human rights through public education and policy development.
"Human Rights Day marks an important achievement - the
realization that our differences make us unique but equal to one another. For
newcomers and longtime residents alike, human rights are fundamental to a life
of respect and dignity. They are essential to a life free of discrimination and
harassment in the workplace and community
life."
- Remzi Cej, Chair of
the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission appeals to individuals and organizations to actively promote equality, understanding, and mutual respect for all members of the community. Let us uphold the premises of Human Rights Day 365 days of the year.
For more information on the Human Rights Commission,
please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca 
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Media contact:
| Carey Majid
Executive Director Human Rights Commission 709-729-2709 1-800-563-5808 CareyMajid@gov.nl.ca |
2014 12 10 9:45 a.m.