Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

December 10, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following statement to mark International Human Rights Day, which commemorates the 58th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

“Canada’s New Government is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights both at home and abroad. We will continue to stand up for human rights and take principled positions on important issues to ensure that freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – values that define our country – are enjoyed around the world.

"This anniversary is an important opportunity to focus the international community's attention on the need for universal acceptance of human rights and to recognize those whose ambition and livelihood it is to achieve this.

"Today we applaud the Government of Afghanistan's further demonstration of its commitment to the principles of human rights with the launch of the Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Action Plan. We commend them on the first step in implementing a comprehensive plan to address the legacy of past injustices."

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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