Day To Honour Human Rights

Rice. It is not the food most Nova Scotians would name if they were asked about a bountiful meal. But rice is a staple in the diets of more than half the world's population.

The availability and distribution of this critical food will be one of the focuses on Dec. 10 as Nova Scotians celebrate International Human Rights Day.

This year marks the 56th International Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the day that the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"It is appropriate that this year we are marking International Human Rights Day by acknowledging that 2004 is also the United Nations' International Year of Rice," said Mayann Francis, CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

"We must never forget that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly challenges us to concentrate on promoting a number of rights and freedoms, including the right to a standard of living that allows adequate food, housing, clothing and health- care."

As part of this year's Human Rights Day celebrations, a United Nations' flag will be flying at Province House. Regional offices of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission have also arranged for the flag to be raised at town halls in Sydney, New Glasgow and Digby.

To further encourage debate, schools in parts of the province have been provided with information on both the Declaration of Human Rights and on the United Nations' International Year of Rice.

And, in Halifax, a Human Rights Day forum will be hosted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and by Partners Against Racism -- a coalition of concerned individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. To be held at the St. Antonio Olympic Community Centre -- at the corner of Cunard and Hunter streets -- the forum is being called Making Room at the Table. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a "sustainable" breakfast and continue until noon with panels and discussions on issues regarding the availability, distribution, security and sustainability of food. Remarks will also be given by Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Lance Hale, vice-chair of the commission; Ms. Francis; and Cherise Adjodha, executive director of the Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group.

For more information on Universal Declaration of Human Rights see the website at www.ohchr.org .

For more information on the International Year of Rice see the website at www.fao.org/rice2004/ .