NEWS RELEASES
MAXWELL YALDEN RE-ELECTED TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
September 14, 2000 (12:45 p.m. EDT) No. 234
MAXWELL YALDEN RE-ELECTED TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMITTEE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the re-election of
Dr. Maxwell Yalden to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The Committee is
composed of 18 independent experts who monitor the implementation of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been ratified by 144
states, including Canada.
"I am delighted by Dr. Yalden's re-election to the Committee. His extensive background
in human rights both in Canada and internationally makes him an ideal member of this
vital United Nations body," said Minister Axworthy.
Dr. Yalden's career began with the Department of External Affairs in 1956 and his
distinguished record of public service includes appointments as Canada's
Commissioner of Official Languages from 1977 to 1984, Ambassador to Belgium and
Luxembourg from 1984 to 1987 and Canada's Chief Human Rights Commissioner from
1987 to 1996. In the early 1990s, Dr. Yalden served as founding Chair of the
International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions, created following the 1993
World Conference on Human Rights.
Dr. Yalden was first elected to a four-year term on the Human Rights Committee in
1996; his second term will commence January 1, 2001.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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