At the beginning of this century little was heard about Human Rights. Only certain people could vote. Discrimination on the basis of sex or race was common. Religious affiliation could create problems for minorities. Disability often kept people at home or otherwise isolated from mainstream society.
Most people today underestimate how important human rights values are in our society.
I am proud to say that a fellow Canadian, indeed a fellow New Brunswicker, John Humphrey played a leading role in drafting the Declaration. Not far from where I speak today Nelson Mandela unveiled a plaque to commemorate Canada's role on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Another step forward occurred in 1947 in Saskatchewan. That province became the first government in Canada to adopt human rights legislation. Other provinces also became active in the field.