Statement from Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson

Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson issued the following statement on the 77^th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights:

“Today, we reflect on the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a world free from fear, and commitment to dignity, equality, and a better standard of life for everyone.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on the 10^th of December in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly as a result of the experience of the Second World War. Since that day, this document has set out and adopted more than 70 fundamental human rights that are applied across the globe by 192 UN member states. 

Our government is proud to have implemented a number of initiatives that contribute to the advancement of human rights, including but not limited to: 

• The creation of an inter-departmental international human rights coordination network.
• The adoption of a Gender and Diversity Analysis (GDA) approach integrated into the provincial budget decision-making process and a requirement for a GDA lens to be applied to all proposed policies, programs, and other initiatives.
• Implemented a Diversity and Inclusion Policy through the PEI Public Service Commission, which provides a framework to build an inclusive and diverse public service by improving employment and career opportunities for qualified members of diversity groups, including women in leadership and management, and all genders in non-traditional occupations.
• The creation of an Interdepartmental Task Force for Advancing Gender Equity and Diversity to coordinate action and to provide advice via the Deputy Minister’s Council to the Government of Prince Edward Island.
• The launch of “Awareness to Action: A Health Strategy for Women and Islanders who are Gender Diverse.”
• Dedicated resources to Anti-Racism efforts, including launching the first ever Anti-Racism Action Plan and establishing a new Anti-Racism Office within Executive Council Office to oversee the implementation of this action plan.
• Implementation of the first specialized therapeutic court, a Domestic Violence Court Program, which provides a collaborative approach and early intervention for domestic violence cases before the Provincial Court.

Given the significance of this anniversary and the document it represents, I encourage all Islanders to visit the resources below pertaining to the UDHR and how we can all continue to make our Island an inclusive and welcome place for everyone.”

Universal Declaration of Human Rights – English

Universal Declaration of Human Rights -  (Français)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Mikmaq/Micmac

Media contact:
Kip Ready
Department of Justice and Public Safety
kjready@gov.pe.ca