NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY MEETS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS NGOs
March 4, 1999 (10:15 a.m. EST) No. 48
AXWORTHY MEETS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS NGOs
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today met with representatives of Canadian human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss with them Canada's approach at the upcoming session of the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Geneva, from March 22 to April 30, 1999. The Department
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has held these comprehensive consultations annually since 1988.
"Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," noted Mr. Axworthy. "We
remarked often during that year that it was an opportunity for reflection and renewal of our commitment to the
Declaration. It was also an opportunity to consider some of the new challenges that face us as we approach the
coming millennium -- issues such as the threats to human rights posed by misuse of the Internet. On these and
other themes, our ongoing dialogue with NGO partners continues to be a vital factor in the development of
Canadian foreign policy."
The Minister pointed to the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the adoption by the UN
General Assembly of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders as among the most significant human rights
achievements of the 1998 anniversary year.
Mr. Axworthy noted some of the other human rights challenges facing Canada and the international community. He
highlighted children's rights, freedom of religion and belief, and freedom of the media as issues requiring particular
attention. He also stressed the need to strengthen and reform the UN Commission on Human Rights in order to
make it more efficient and effective.
At this year's CHR session, Canada's continued leadership on several traditional areas of concern will include
sponsoring resolutions on: the situation in Rwanda; renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on freedom
of opinion and expression; impunity; violence against women; and the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. Canada will also co-sponsor a resolution on freedom of religion.
Mr. Axworthy remarked that Canada would be making a particular effort to integrate human rights concerns into its
work on the UN Security Council. On February 12, 1999, the Minister presided over a Canadian-initiated Council
discussion on the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
"Respect for human rights is the foundation of human security," stated the Minister. "We have to work strategically
to build on the incremental progress achieved over the past few years in inserting human rights into Council
deliberations."
Mr. Axworthy took the occasion to announce that For the Record 1998, a global human rights report produced by
the NGO Human Rights Internet in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, is
now available on the Internet. This is the second annual edition of the publication, which guides the user through a
vast array of UN human rights documentation, conveniently arranged by country and theme. A print version of this
document will be available shortly through Human Rights Internet. Meanwhile the electronic version may be
accessed at http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord1998.
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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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