FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy in recognition of International Human Rights Day, Monday, Dec. 10:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed and adopted by the general assembly of the United Nations 64 years ago.
It remains one of the most important documents of the 20th century and was the first international human rights charter to recognize a number of social, economic and cultural rights, such as the right to work, to social security and to have a family. Many of our most fundamental government programs, such as medicare, income assistance, education, and anti-discrimination legislation are examples of these rights being put into effect.
International Human Rights Day holds a special significance to our province, as it was a New Brunswicker, the late John Peters Humphrey, who wrote the draft of the Universal Declaration. Today, on the 64th anniversary of its adoption by the United Nations, we remain proud of Humphrey's legacy.
Humphrey was a pioneer in the field of human rights, in Canada and worldwide. During his 20 years as director of the United Nations' Human Rights Division, he worked on the Universal Declaration and a number of other important human rights instruments. He later helped establish Amnesty International Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Foundation and the Canadian Section of the International Commission of Jurists.
Here at home, the Human Rights Act is administered by the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission. We are proud of their leadership in promoting and protecting human rights within our province. Its mandate to educate will ensure New Brunswickers not only uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration, but also to embrace it to create diverse, equitable, moral, and strong communities.
I thank those community groups and individuals who work tirelessly for the cause of human rights and I invite New Brunswickers to build upon John Peters Humphrey's legacy by supporting private and public efforts to advance human rights both at home and internationally.
06-12-12