December 10, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, today issued the following statement:

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights—adopted on this day in 1948—emphasizes that the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In the face of growing challenges to human rights worldwide, Canada will continue working with partners to not only safeguard but also expand the protection and promotion of human rights.

“Canada recognizes that this important work starts at home. We are working towards reconciliation and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. This plan includes 181 measures that reflect First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and contribute to achieving the objectives of the UN declaration.

“Globally, Canada strives to end inequality, empower women and girls, and eradicate poverty through our feminist foreign and international assistance policies. Yesterday, Canada announced a contribution of $88.2 million to the UN Central Emergency Fund to help families in crisis access food, shelter, clean water and protection from violence.

“Canada also stands firmly against discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics, as well as disability, race, religion, age and ethnicity. Canada raises 2SLGBTQI+ rights at the international level and our LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program includes a commitment of $30 million from 2020-2025 and $10 million every year thereafter.

“All people deserve to live in safety and with dignity, and Canada will continue to work to strengthen, expand, and reinforce human rights worldwide.” 

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