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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>May 4, 2004 <em>(1:10 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 67</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA ELECTED TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today welcomed the election of Canada to the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), for the 2005-2007 term. </p>
<p>"The promotion and protection of human rights is a fundamental part of Canadian
foreign and domestic policies," said Minister Graham. "The Commission remains the
pre-eminent intergovernmental body charged with promoting these rights, and we know
that its effectiveness must be improved in order for it to fulfill its intended function. Our
election to the Commission will allow us to maintain our prominent role in advancing
international human rights issues."</p>
<p>The election took place today at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN
in New York. Canada was one of four candidates for the three seats available for the
Western European and Others Group. Canada was elected on the first ballot with 38
votes, with a total of 54 ECOSOC member countries eligible to vote. The other
successful candidates were Finland and France.</p>
<p>Canada has been a member of the Commission for 24 of the last 28 years. Although
not a member for this past term (2003-2005), Canada was involved in negotiations on
all substantive matters and cosponsored more than 30 resolutions. Canada also led on
several resolutions, including texts on freedom of expression, aboriginal issues,
violence against women and impunity.</p>
<p>The UNCHR is the UN body responsible for overseeing international human rights
standards: civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the protection of
minorities and the prevention of all forms of discrimination. The UNCHR also mandates
independent experts to monitor and report on situations in specific countries that have
been placed on its agenda.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<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>
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071123093935/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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