British Columbia has proclaimed Dec. 10, 2013, as Human Rights Day to celebrate the important work being done throughout the province to uphold human rights.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and commemorates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all people around the globe are entitled.

B.C. is committed to upholding the declaration's principles, including the promotion of justice and equality. The Province's Human Rights Code protects British Columbians from discrimination based on race, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation and age in areas such as employment, housing and public services.

This year on Dec. 10, there also will be a public memorial in South Africa for those who want to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela, a global champion for his human rights achievements.

Quotes:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

"B.C. is proud to celebrate and embrace the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by proclaiming December 10 as Human Rights Day. We all have a duty to respect each other's human rights and to guard against discrimination and harassment."

"The defence of our fundamental rights and freedoms is part of what makes B.C. such a wonderful place to live and work."

Learn More:

B.C.'s proclamation: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/human-rights-protection/

B.C. Human Rights Tribunal: www.bchrt.bc.ca

B.C. Human Rights Code: www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96210_01

BC Human Rights Clinic: http://www.bchrcoalition.org/files/services_a.html

United Nations Human Rights Day 2013: http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/

Media Contact:

Lori DeLuca
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 953-3196