PM Transcripts

EMBARGO: MIDNIGHT, 9 DECEMBER, 1978
4AUSTRALIA , g
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 9 DECEMBER, 1978
ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Today, 10 December, marks the 30th Anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is appropriate
to affirm that Australia remains committed to the promotion
and protection of fundamental human standards. The
anniversary comes at a time when there is a growing
international recognition of the importance of human rights.
It is essential that Australia be seen as a firm upholder
of human rights. It is also in Australia's interests that
all communities and countries join in a commitment to
the basic principles and standards as set out in the
Declaration. The Declaration was adopted by the U. N. General Assembly
in 1948. For thirty years it has been a basic document
promoting the aspirations of all nations and all peoples
concerned with fundamental rights and freedoms. The
Declaration is one of the most significant and enlightened
achievements of the United Nations.
As was announced in July the Commonwealth, in association
with the States and the Northern Territory, will be
embarking on a program designed to make available to
the community at large, information on the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and its significance to Australia.
The program is at an advanced stage of preparation and
it is expected that discussion kits for schools and ethnic
and aboriginal organisations will be available early
next year. Explanations of Australia's Racial
Discrimination Act, in English and other ethnic and
Aboriginal languages, will also be distributed.
000---