Statement by Hon. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs - Dec 10 2010 Ottawa, Canada

 

Human Rights Day

Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, CPC): Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate International Human Rights Day. Human rights are at the very heart of this government's policies whether it is at home or abroad. Our policies have always been based on the principles and values of a free and democratic society. However, Canadians must be mindful that the rights that we enjoy are not shared by all around the world. On this occasion, I would like to take this opportunity to honour those who have stood up and defended human rights, in particular I congratulate Mr. Liu Xiaobo on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. We also commend individuals like Nguyen Van Ly, Gao Zhisheng, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Ko Mya Aye and countless others around the world who have raised awareness about the struggle for the promotion of human rights.

Our government will continue to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world.