Minister"s Message on International Human Rights Day

12/16/2009

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following statement was issued today by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault in recognition of International Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, 2009:

It was 61 years ago that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission, and a resident of this great province, I would like to honour the legacy of John Peters Humphrey of Hampton as one of the principal authors of this historic document.

I am pleased to recognize Dec. 10 as International Human Rights Day, a day that serves as a reminder of all we have accomplished but also shows us that there is still much that needs to be done.

Today, as New Brunswickers and as Canadians, we join many nations around the world in recognizing this historic milestone in the goal of human rights for all. We join our human rights colleagues from all corners of the globe to recognize and reflect on the invaluable work that is being done to cultivate a world of compassion and understanding.

New Brunswick has a diverse range of cultures and linguistic groups, and this is something in which we can take great pride. As we charter our path to self-sufficiency, we must take a moment to reflect on the rights and freedoms that we are privileged to have here in New Brunswick. These rights and freedoms allow us to reach our full potential as people and as a province. We must serve as role models in our communities through the promotion of respect and acceptance.

(www.gnb.ca)