(OTTAWA) - Today, on Human Rights Day, the Green Party recognizes the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
“Canada played a lead role in the negotiation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the current climate of Islamophobia, with U.S. Republican Donald Trump setting a new low for hate rhetoric and the abuse of human rights, with a Sri Lankan woman sentenced to death by stoning in Saudi Arabia, it is critical that Canada fight for human rights around the world. Let us be the nation that becomes the Amnesty International in the family of nations,” stated Elizabeth May, MP (Saanich-Gulf Islands).
This year's Human Rights Day is also devoted to a year-long campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of both the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. The two Covenants, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, form the International Bill of Human Rights.
“While considerable progress has been made in the past, much remains to be done in order to secure equality and human rights for all citizens. As a country, we must ensure that our most vulnerable and underrepresented populations are protected, and that all citizens are treated with respect and dignity,” concluded May.
- 30 -
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca