In a statement marking UN Human Rights Day, 10 December 2012, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird recommitted Canada to "working toward the promotion of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world." In Iran, he said, "egregious human rights violations are a daily occurrence. Iran’s persecution of religious minorities, including Baha'is and Christians, is deeply troubling. Canada will continue to take a leadership role at the United Nations in condemning the human rights situation in Iran."