Released on December 9, 2008
December 10, 2008, marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. To honour the occasion, Saskatchewan's Justice Minister Don Morgan has proclaimed the day "Saskatchewan Human Rights Day".
The Declaration sets out "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations". Principles contained in the Declaration have been incorporated into a number of international human rights treaties, and are reflected in the constitutions and laws of many countries, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian legislation, policies and programs at the federal and provincial/territorial levels.
"I'm proud to recognize the Declaration's anniversary, particularly in a province that has led the way in protecting human rights," Morgan said. "In fact, The Saskatchewan Bill of Rights Act was first enacted in 1947, while the Universal Declaration was still a draft waiting to be adopted."
The Saskatchewan Government works co-operatively with the Government of Canada and other provincial and territorial governments in the implementation of international human rights treaties. Saskatchewan has a standing Inter-ministerial Committee on Human Rights, with broad representation across Ministries, to ensure that responsibilities falling within provincial jurisdiction are recognized, and treaty provisions are implemented through Saskatchewan legislation, policies and programs.
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For more information, contact:
Laur'Lei Silzer
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: laurlei.silzer@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-0074