The Honourable Wes MacAleer, Minister of Community Services and Attorney General, officially recognized Friday, December 10 as International Human Rights Day in the province.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on this date in 1948.
The declaration has shaped widespread respect for the human rights of all individuals. It recognizes, among other things, that all individuals have the right to life, liberty and the security of person; an adequate standard of living; freedom of opinion and expression; education; and freedom of religion.
Minister MacAleer advised that International Human Rights Day provides Islanders with opportunities to consider the dignity and worth of every person.
"It is important that we create understanding and mutual respect for the dignity of each person so that all Islanders feel a part of the community and are contributing members of PEI's society," he said.
Many activities are planned to celebrate the day. The PEI Human Rights Commission challenged Island students to consider what human rights mean to them through a poster contest.
George Kells, Chair of the Human Rights Commission, advised that with the support of the Bank of Montreal, nine drawings by Island students will appear in a poster that will be distributed to all Island schools. "The project challenged the students to reflect on their own views about human rights, and to capture their ideas through their drawings," he said.
The unique rights and responsibilities of older persons will also be recognized in acknowledgment of the International Year of Older Persons 1999.
Anna Duffy, Chair of the PEI International Year of Older Persons Planning Committee, advised that the Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Older Persons recognizes that all seniors have the right to participation, independence, care, dignity, and self fulfilment.
"These human rights do not diminish with age," she said. "Seniors have the right and responsibility to participate and contribute to the ongoing activities of society."
This commitment to involvement across generations is captured in a millennium calendar celebrating the special relationships between Island seniors and children, and the International Year of Older Persons. During the month of October, Grade 4 students drew pictures of themselves and an older person they love doing their favourite shared activity.
"Through their drawings, our Island students show for us the vital contributions that seniors make to younger generations," said Ms. Duffy. "All the images, including the 13 captured in this legacy calendar, show that Prince Edward Island is truly a society for all ages."
Legacy calendars to commemorate the International Year of Older Persons will be made available at no cost to seniors in nursing homes and community care facilities, schools and seniors organizations.
For more information, contact: Patti Butler, Human Rights Commission, (902) 368-4180 or Pat Malone, Dept. of Health and Social Services, (902) 368-6190.