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Statement by the Prime Minister
December 9, 1998
Ottawa, Ontario
The following is the text of a statement by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the most important documents of this century. It captured, for all time and for all peoples, the unbreakable link between fundamental human rights - freedom of expression and of thought and of conscience - and the potential for human progress.
Canada has a special attachment to the Declaration. It was a Canadian, John Peters Humphrey, who was one of the original drafters. In 1982, I had the honour of helping to create the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, based on the principles laid down by Humphrey and his colleagues.
Promoting democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law is an honoured Canadian trademark in the world. It goes to the very core of our beliefs as a people. Of what we hold dear and true. And it is an important legacy for future generations.
The fact that the community of nations chose to articulate, by way of the Declaration, these essential principles of human dignity was an historic achievement. But it is also clear that all too often the world and we in Canada do not live up to this ideal.
On this 50th anniversary, let us resolve to work continuously to improve the rights of all of our citizens to reach their full potential in Canadian society. And to work for that day when all peoples everywhere enjoy the blessings of the vision enshrined in the Declaration."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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