VARENNES — On this 2011 Human Rights Day , New Democrat MP Sana Hassainia (Verchères–Les Patriotes) highlights the importance of what she considers to be a safeguard of democracy.

Hassainia would like to pay tribute to all human rights activists and invites her constituents to get involved in their community to build a fairer, freer, safer and more peaceful world for future generations.

“Human rights are a safeguard of democracy,” said Hassainia. “It’s crucial that Stephen Harper’s Conservative government respects this universal principle so it doesn’t weaken Canadians’ trust in the democratic system.”

This day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948. Over the years, it has been accepted as a contract between governments and their people and supported by nearly all countries.

The Declaration also served as a basis for the development of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Today, this declaration seeks to protect the most vulnerable or minority groups.