Statement on Human Rights Day 

December 10, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada; and the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, today issued the following statement:

“Human Rights Day, marked annually on December 10, gives us an important opportunity to reaffirm the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people. While enormous global progress resulted from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, enshrined on this day in 1948, current events—including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine—remind us that the challenges we face today are multifaceted, interconnected and ever-changing. Worldwide, a record 100 million have been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, human rights violations and violence.

“All people must enjoy the same fundamental human rights, online and offline, regardless of any aspect of their identity. Canada firmly believes that respect for democracy and its inherent values—the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and equality—are shared by millions at home and abroad. We believe these values are essential to a stronger rules-based multilateral system that can promote and protect them. We are also committed to providing feminist international assistance that is inclusive and based on human rights.

“The human rights challenges we are facing today are complex and far reaching, and Canada stands ready to face them. From human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang region to protecting and promoting gender equality and respect for ethnic and religious minorities in Iran, the struggle to fully realize enshrined rights is never over. And Canada knows it needs to strengthen its cooperation to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of people at home and abroad.

“Despite the progress made since 1948, far too many people in our world today are denied basic human rights because of their race, ability, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or social origin, birth, or other aspect of their identity. As we come to the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we reaffirm that women’s rights are human rights. On this day, Canada pledges to step up its efforts to ensure dignity, freedom and justice for people everywhere.”