Liberal statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2014

NEW YORK CITY – Liberal Rights, Freedoms, and International Justice Critic, Irwin Cotler, issued the following statement today on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“Around the world, racial and ethnic discrimination too often threatens to subvert human rights and fracture communities. On this day in 1960, 69 people protesting against Apartheid laws were killed by South African police forces. Today, we commemorate those who struggled for human rights, and those who continue to do so today.

“Canada has long celebrated diversity, pluralism, and acceptance as key to building a united, prosperous country. In 2005, as Minister of Justice, I had the honour of introducing Canada’s first-ever National Justice Initiative Against Racism and Hate. We will continue to work towards a better society and world, with the belief that we are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fighting racial and ethnic discrimination, both here in Canada and around the world.”