115 international human rights delegates have arrived in Montreal to attend a one-of-a-kind training opportunity offered by Equitas - International Centre for Human Rights Education. Frontline human rights activists from approximately 60 countries will learn from each other and develop new strategies to promote equality, justice and respect for human dignity. Taking place from June 8 until June 27, 2008, the International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) is one of the most sought after human rights training opportunities in the world with over 800 applications for this year’s program
“We are proud, in this 60th anniversary year of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that our program continues to allow participants to receive the training and tools they need to help prevent human rights abuses in their communities and societies,” says Ian Hamilton, Executive Director, Equitas. “Thanks to the IHRTP, participants return home better equipped to promote human rights values and attitudes. Their confidence grows as does the impact of their work.”
Training the human rights leaders of the future
IHRTP participants are courageous and dynamic individuals who work for change in their communities – often at great personal risk. The main goal of the IHRTP is to empower these leaders of tomorrow to establish effective human rights education programs in their countries. The participants develop new knowledge and skills that they can take home to counter entrenched opinions and foster acceptance and inclusion among and within various groups and communities that are in conflict.
” says Rob Shropshire, Director of Programs. “An Afghan participant who attended the IHRTP in 2007 reported that he has integrated his learning into the local peace-building and conflict resolution activities of his organization. Another participant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported that the techniques learned at the IHRTP were instrumental in helping her mobilize community leaders to combat violence against women. Clearly, the IHRTP is an effective educational tool.”
One of the most sought after human rights training opportunities in the world
Some 3,000 people from more than 100 countries have attended the IHRTP training since it began in 1980 – many through the generous support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This year approximately 60 countries will be represented including Afghanistan, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Pakistan, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. As a result, Equitas connects to more human rights organizations around the world than any other Canadian organization.
|
