OTTAWA -- The Leader of the Green Party of Canada Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands) issued the following statement to mark International Human Rights Day:
“Today, on the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we reaffirm our commitment to secure justice and dignity for all.
“We are living through a troubling era where hate, fear and division threaten global peace and politics, where too many conflicts displace families and where the most vulnerable people are denied fundamental freedoms. Today, as every other day, we must let the vital UN declaration guide our work towards achieving basic rights for all.
“At home, we must uphold the rights and sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, starting with providing clean drinking water for the nearly 100 communities living under long-term, boil-water advisories.
“Abroad, we must protect human rights defenders who often serve as the last line of defence against assaults on justice and liberty. They work with astounding courage in the face of attack and threat, especially women who face the added risk of gendered intimidation, violence and wrongful imprisonment.
“Today, the Green Party of Canada joins Amnesty International in demanding that the world’s governments free women defenders from unlawful imprisonment. We hope that by putting pressure on corrupt governments and by holding national leaders accountable to global standards, we can protect women defenders and help them continue their important work.
“This International Human Rights Day, the Green Party commits to redoubling its efforts to promote the inalienable rights of all people, in Canada and abroad. I hope you’ll join me in sending your own letter at www.writeathon.ca.”
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