Statement by Senator Thanh Hai Ngo on Human Rights Day

December 10, 2015

For Immediate Release

 

Ottawa, December 10, 2015 – Today Senator Thanh Hai Ngo issued the following statement on Human Rights Day:

“This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights form the International Bill of Rights.

“On Human Rights Day, I invite all Canadians to join in celebrating 50 years of freedom as embodied in these Pacts, which are as relevant today as when they were adopted. As the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms shows, human rights are inalienable in Canada. We should be proud of our history in this area.

“Through this year’s theme, “Our Rights – Our Freedoms – Always,” we should embark on a campaign to shine a light on the inalienable and inherent rights of global citizens. Our Freedoms always revolve around the timeless themes of rights and freedom and the relevance of the work that continues in securing and ensuring them.

“As we commemorate and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Human Rights Day, I would also like to invite you to consult my office’s most recent annual report. In it, I examine Vietnam’s human rights record and shed light on the many prisoners of conscience in the country.  This report is intended to promote and increase public awareness of the two covenants that are marking their 50th anniversary by celebrating the rights and freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and freedom from fear that underpin the International Bill of Human Rights.

“On Human Rights Day 2015, let us commit once again to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all people.”

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For more information on the human rights situation in Vietnam please consult:

–        Our annual Human Rights Report: https://honourablengo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FINAL-English-HR-Booklet.compressed.pdf

 

Senator Thanh Hai Ngo’s Office

ThanhHai.Ngo@sen.parl.gc.ca

613-943-1599