HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS CONFERENCE CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN DURBAN REVIEW
(TORONTO) -- Community based anti-racism and human rights organizations concerned about the erosion of civil liberty and human rights in Canada will be calling on the Canadian Government to reverse its decision of boycotting the Durban Review Conference, an international human rights conference to review global actions to combat racism and xenophobia.
On October 4, 2008, Canadian anti-racism activists will be leaving for Geneva to attend the preparatory meeting of the Durban Review Conference. A press conference is called to wish the delegates well and to thank them for doing what the Canadian Government should be doing on behalf of all Canadians.
The press conference will take place on October 2, 2008, at 10:00 am, at Steel Workers Hall, 25 Cecil Street, Toronto, Ontario.
“The World Conference Against Racism was a groundbreaking watershed event for racialized communities all over the world. It provided a voice for vulnerable communities who have long been unheard, and it resulted in a concrete Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) which provides a positive, action oriented blueprint for governments, working with civil society, to combat racism,” said Margaret Parsons, Executive Director of the African Canadian Legal Clinic and one of the community delegates attending the preparatory committee meeting next week. “The purpose of the Durban Review Conference is to review progress and assess implementation of the DDPA,” added Parsons.
“Over the past few years, our Government has seriously rolled back the rights for many Canadians, as evidenced in the rise of racial profiling and Islamophobia. Our eroding human rights record is also reflected on the international stage when it comes to our Government’s willingness to uphold international human rights treaties and agreements,” said Mohamed Boudjenane, Executive Director of the Canadian Arab Federation.
“We are calling this press conference not only to express our disagreement with Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Durban Review process, but more importantly, to highlight the importance of this international events to oppressed peoples and victims of discrimination everywhere,” noted Judith Deutsch of Independent Jewish Voices.
“Migrants’ rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples are but some of the fundamental issues that will be subject of the Review. If our Government does not care about the rights of these individuals, then it is up to us to ensure that their rights will be honoured and promoted,” said Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.
“It is extremely important that Canada participates in the Durban Review,” said Terry Downey, Executive Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. “The work done by the Durban Review has a direct effect on people’s daily lives. The Ontario Federation of Labour has as its members many workers who come from racialized groups and many members from our aboriginal peoples. As workers in Canada and citizens this international review process plays a critical role and its value is felt directly by people the world over. We urge the Government of Canada to reconsider its decision and participate.”
“The Canadian Labour Congress supports the initiative announced today. Given the diversity of Canada’s population, it is important that our government participate in the UN proceedings and help shape the world action plan to combat racism,” says Hassan Yussuff, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.
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On October 4, 2008, Canadian anti-racism activists will be leaving for Geneva to attend the preparatory meeting of the Durban Review Conference. A press conference is called to wish the delegates well and to thank them for doing what the Canadian Government should be doing on behalf of all Canadians.
The press conference will take place on October 2, 2008, at 10:00 am, at Steel Workers Hall, 25 Cecil Street, Toronto, Ontario.
“The World Conference Against Racism was a groundbreaking watershed event for racialized communities all over the world. It provided a voice for vulnerable communities who have long been unheard, and it resulted in a concrete Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) which provides a positive, action oriented blueprint for governments, working with civil society, to combat racism,” said Margaret Parsons, Executive Director of the African Canadian Legal Clinic and one of the community delegates attending the preparatory committee meeting next week. “The purpose of the Durban Review Conference is to review progress and assess implementation of the DDPA,” added Parsons.
“Over the past few years, our Government has seriously rolled back the rights for many Canadians, as evidenced in the rise of racial profiling and Islamophobia. Our eroding human rights record is also reflected on the international stage when it comes to our Government’s willingness to uphold international human rights treaties and agreements,” said Mohamed Boudjenane, Executive Director of the Canadian Arab Federation.
“We are calling this press conference not only to express our disagreement with Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Durban Review process, but more importantly, to highlight the importance of this international events to oppressed peoples and victims of discrimination everywhere,” noted Judith Deutsch of Independent Jewish Voices.
“Migrants’ rights and the rights of Indigenous peoples are but some of the fundamental issues that will be subject of the Review. If our Government does not care about the rights of these individuals, then it is up to us to ensure that their rights will be honoured and promoted,” said Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.
“It is extremely important that Canada participates in the Durban Review,” said Terry Downey, Executive Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. “The work done by the Durban Review has a direct effect on people’s daily lives. The Ontario Federation of Labour has as its members many workers who come from racialized groups and many members from our aboriginal peoples. As workers in Canada and citizens this international review process plays a critical role and its value is felt directly by people the world over. We urge the Government of Canada to reconsider its decision and participate.”
“The Canadian Labour Congress supports the initiative announced today. Given the diversity of Canada’s population, it is important that our government participate in the UN proceedings and help shape the world action plan to combat racism,” says Hassan Yussuff, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.
For More Information:
Toll-free: 1-800-668-9138
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Metro Toronto Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, p: 416.971.9674
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