STATEMENT BY
RT. HON. P. J. PATTERSON, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
PRIME MINISTER
ON THE OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
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As the people of the world mark International Human Rights
Day for the 52 nd time, it is well that we recall that it was on the
motion of Jamaica's representative to the United Nations, in
1963, for the world community to briing a special focus to an
adherence to the principles of Human Rights across the globe
in 1968.
Indeed, Jamaica's proud tradition in this regard can be traced
to the late 1950s when our country and India were the first to
set their face against trade with South Africa during the days
of the Apartheid Regime.
And, lest we forget, the Right Ho1nourable Michael Manley,
during the 1970s received international accolades as the
spirit of Jamaica shone brightly in the global Human Rights
firmament.
UWI LIBRARIES
It is fitting that, today, we also mark together, the anniversary
of his birthday.
My own commitment to the principles upon which Human
Rights, both locally and internationally, have been erected has
never wavered.
As we strive to create a just society; as we seek the
wholesome development of a consciousness towards our
fundamental rights and civic responsibilities as a people, it is
appropriate that the Report of the Joint Select Committee of
Parliament that was established, on a motion moved by me in
the House of Representatives, to consider the Charter of
Rights (Constitutional Amendment) Bill will be tabled in
Parliament tomorrow, Tuesday, December 11.
Our underlying objective is to ensure that every citizen of
Jamaica can enjoy all the freedoms and exercise those rights
which underpin a free and democratic society.
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UWI LIBRARIES
I am aware of the challenges that the Select Committee has
had to confront in their deliberations but I am confident that
their Report will assist in the formation of a broad consensus
on the recommended provisions of the Bill. There is an
inescapable requirement that, as citizens of Jamaica, we find
common ground in this the first major overhaul of an entire
Chapter of our Independence Constitution - Chapter Ill which
deals with our Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
I expect the report of the Joint Select Committee, compiled
after vigorous discussions and careful consideration will
greatly assist Parliament in its consideration of the Bill and
result in smooth passage through both Houses.
This International Human Rights Day is being observed at a
time when the world faces the spectre of terrorism and
when the discomfiture of fear abounds. Already, some
countries have sought to enact Laws and establish
structures in the fight against terrorism.
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UWI LIBRARIES
.,
The struggle against terrorism, the war on the illegal trade in
drugs and psychotropic substances must be waged without
discarding the hallowed principles of due process.
The patent global inequalities cannot be ignored in the quest
for universal Human Rights.
In our own country, Jamaica, all of our citizens will need to
discharge our responsibilities to ensure that social justice and
the real protection of our Human Rights are achieved and
maintained.
There must be a collaborative approach, since the
observance of the principles of Human Rights is everybody's
business. It cannot be regarded as an area which is the
private province of any agency of Government or any civic
institution. It requires profound respect for each other and
it must be geared towards how we regard ourselves as a
people and what we would wish to become.
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UWI LIBRARIES
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As a country with sound moorings in the support for Human
Rights internationally, we stand ready to assist in finding the
kinds of solutions that will make for a more just and equitable
relationship in our country and across the entire planet.
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