NEWS RELEASES

March 12, 2004 (10:30 a.m. EST) No. 39

GRAHAM TO ATTEND SESSION OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced that he will participate in the annual session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 15 and 16, 2004.

"Canada attaches the highest importance to the promotion and protection of human rights and to the UN's work in this field," said Minister Graham. "We are committed to working with the UN and other nations to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights so that it can continue to effectively pursue its crucial mandate.

"Canadian individuals have often played a prominent role within the UN, and I am particularly proud that Madam Justice Louise Arbour has been appointed as the new High Commissioner for Human Rights."

The UNCHR meets for six weeks in March and April every year. Mr. Graham will be attending the High Level Segment of the meetings, which opens the six-week intensive session. Canada's priorities at the UNCHR include strengthening the UN human rights machinery, working to ensure better integration of gender perspectives into the UN's work and outlining Canada's concerns and efforts on major international human rights issues.

The UNCHR is composed of 53 member countries elected for three-year terms by the UN Economic and Social Council. Canada has been a member for 25 of the last 40 years.

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