Search this site powered by FreeFind

Quick Link

for your convenience!

 

Human Rights, Youth Voices etc.

click here


 

For Information Concerning the Crisis in Darfur

click here


 

Northern Uganda Crisis

click here


 

 Whistleblowers Need Protection

 

Human Rights as Global Security: 

Future Directions for the Charter

 

A Symposium at the John Humphrey Centre

Speaking Notes prepared for the Hon. David Kilgour,

Member of Parliament for Edmonton Southeast and

Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)  

April 25, 2002

Edmonton


It is an honour to be part of your discussion on human rights and individual security. It seems appropriate that on the 20th anniversary of the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution and the enshrinement of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms we have assembled to discuss the challenges facing freedom and human security domestically and around the world.

Warren Allmand, President of the International Centre of Human Rights and Democratic Development, is following me with his keynote address and will be opening the exhibit, “Citizen of the World: John Peters Humphrey and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” by Moni Kunstler Kuehcmeister. I’ll accordingly be brief.

While the attacks of September 11th were directed at one nation their impact continues to resonate with persons from all cultures around the world. By espousing the values of peace, inclusiveness, diversity, freedom and security, we are working together to ensure that acts of terrorism have no place in our emerging global village.

One of the primary aims of this conference is to discredit the notion that security and rights are mutually exclusive. It is important to remember that security is ultimately dependant on adherence to fundamental human rights. In other words, you can’t have one without the other.

As liberty and safety emerge as the primary themes of this new century, it is encouraging to see so many young people taking an active interest in the promotion of the global human rights agenda. Let’s all credit the John Humphrey Centre, which has taken on the responsibility of working with young people to address some of the important challenges facing global human rights and security. What better way to build a foundation for freedom, justice, and peace than by educating the leaders of tomorrow to be aware of their basic human rights and responsibilities?

Finally, allow me again to extend a sincere thank-you, to the organizers, volunteers and all of you – including the “Charter Works contest winners,” Wayne Leung and Claire Peacock, who spent some time on Parliament Hill last month.

Thank-you

 
Home Books Photo Gallery About David Survey Results Useful Links Submit Feedback