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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>March 12, 2004 <em>(10:30 a.m. EST)</em> No. 39</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>GRAHAM TO ATTEND SESSION OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION</strong></font></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Isabelle Savard<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071207015857/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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