Marston: Statement on International Human Rights Day

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY FROM
NDP HUMAN RIGHTS CRITIC WAYNE MARSTON

“On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the NDP joins the many Canadian activists and advocates throughout our communities and around the world in a reaffirmation of our commitment to fighting for equality and dignity for all.

“Canada should be a leader in the global fight against inequality and injustice. Stephen Harper’s Conservative government is a threat to that leadership, ignoring decades of hard work by countless Canadians.

“As Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently stated, there is a sense Canada is moving away from its commitment to multilateralism and is instead advancing a new agenda in the form of national and regional alliances.

“The Declaration of Human Rights remains as relevant today as it did on the day it was adopted. Unfortunately, governments often lack the political will to implement courageous acts that would empower all citizens.

“We saw this when Canada dramatically reversed its position and withdrew support of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“Canada’s reputation is on the line. Today, on the International Day for Human Rights, the NDP is calling on Harper’s Conservatives to re-dedicate themselves to an international and domestic commitment to human rights that truly respects the equality and dignity of all people.”

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