News Releases

News Releases March 4, 1998 COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN: A VIOLATION OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

VANCOUVER --Leading up to International Women’s Day, the Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) will hold a round table in Vancouver on March 4, 1998 with representatives from government and travel and tourism industry associations to look at the issue of preventing Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

“Commercial sexual exploitation of children is a violation of the most basic human rights that many women and girls face here in Canada and around the world,” Dr. Fry said. “None of us can resolve this problem alone, we have to work together to make a difference.”

March 8, 1998 is International Women’s Day in Canada and begins a week long celebration of women’s achievements. This year’s theme, The Evolution of Women’s Human Rights, ties in with the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“International Women’s Day acts as a reminder to us that in many parts of the world, women and girls do not enjoy basic human rights. Many continue to be subject to social inequality, the denial of equal justice, economic deprivation, unequal access to educational opportunities and violence and abuse,” Dr. Fry continued.

International Women’s Day and Week provide an opportunity to focus on the status of women in Canada and to consider how we can work strategically to improve the well being of all Canadians.

The round table will be held at Library Square in Vancouver beginning 1:00 pm PST with a media availability to follow the conclusion of the meeting at 4:00 pm PST.