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For the 30th year in a row, Equitas welcomes over 100 human rights defenders for a one of a kind human rights training session

114 human rights defenders from over 55 countries have arrived in Montreal for the 30th edition of Equitas’ International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP).  These courageous and dynamic individuals, working in often dangerous circumstances on some of the most difficult issues in their countries, will take part in the program until July 3rd in order to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to bring about positive change in their communities.

A lasting impact around the world
“This training program is an important Canadian contribution to the spread of human rights and democratic principles around the world,” says Ian Hamilton, Executive Director of Equitas. “Through the IHRTP, participants gain greater confidence in their abilities as well as the skills and motivation to become effective human rights champions upon their return home”. For more information


 

Margaret Sekaggya

Special Event

"Without human rights defenders, there are no human rights!"

Faculty of Law, McGill University – Thursday June 11th – On Thursday night, Margaret Sekaggya, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, spoke during an event sponsored by Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education and the McGill Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism.

During her lecture, Mrs. Sekaggya talked about the fundamental role human rights defenders are playing in the promotion and protection of human rights. She also mentioned the many challenges they have to face in their everyday work. It is the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms that provides them with protection and resources at the international level. For more information about human rights defenders, please visit the Special Rapporteur’s website.

The event was also the occasion for the awarding of the first Ruth Selwyn Bursary for Achievement in Empowering Women and Girls, which was presented to Ms. Pornpit Puckmai, the Advocacy Coordinator of the Empower Foundation of Thailand.

The Ruth Selwyn Bursary recognizes the exceptional role and contributions of Ruth Selwyn, the past Executive Director of Equitas (previously the Canadian Human Rights Foundation), who laid the groundwork for the IHRTP to become the world’s pre-eminent human rights training program and whose career spanned a lifetime of engagement in the struggle for equality. The first bursary will commemorate the 5th anniversary of Ruth’s retirement from the organization.

Also speaking during this event honouring human rights defenders was Frederic Philippe Diouf, a Senegalese human rights defender who talked about how the participatory approach, taught by and consolidated while collaborating with Equitas, allowed him, his organization and the Senegalese network they created, to provoke social change through human rights education.

Jakarta - The Workshop on the Human Rights Harmonization of Local Regulations in Indonesia began on May 26, 2009 in Jakarta. The Opening Ceremony was graced by the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor, John Holmes, and Norway's Ambassador to Indonesia, Eivind S. Homme (seated, 3rd and 4th from left respectively). Seated, second from left is Prof. Dr. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo, Director General of the Directorate General of Human Rights (DG-HAM) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia

Equitas Annual Cocktail – A Sold-out Affair

For the second year in a row, it was a capacity crowd for Equitas’ Annual Cocktail on March 19th.  It was wonderful to see many loyal friends return and a large number of new faces who turned out to show their concern for human rights and support for Equitas.  With over 200 guests attending, the 4th Annual Cocktail raised over $24,000 to support Equitas’ programming in Canada and around the world.

Ian Hamilton, Executive Director, Jameel Jaffer, and Rob Yalden, President of the Board of Directors (from left to right)
 

The keynote speaker for the evening was Jameel Jaffer, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project and an active member of the Equitas Board of Directors.  Mr. Jaffer was introduced by Alexandre Trudeau.  Having recently co-authored the widely acclaimed book “Administration of Torture”, Mr. Jaffer was ideally placed to explore the connection between security and the protection of human rights: “The democratic freedoms that we have been too ready to give up [in times of crisis and in the name of security] are freedoms that lead to more informed citizens and to more accountable leaders….These freedoms are what make democracies worth defending.”  In their remarks, Mr. Jaffer and Mr. Trudeau underscored the critical role of human rights defenders – the people benefiting from Equitas’ programs - in speaking out and defending those whose freedoms are being threatened.    

Equitas would like to thank all the event sponsors and volunteers who made the event such a success.  We recognize in particular our platinum sponsors:  BCE Enterprises, Ernst & Young and Osler, Hoskin, Harcourt.  Furthermore we are grateful to Claudia’s Catering for once again providing our guests with delicious food and for donating a significant portion of their services.  We look forward to an even greater success next year! (more)

Equality for Women: A Handbook for NHRIs on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Equitas is pleased to announce the launch of a new publication designed to support the efforts of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to ensure that gender equality is in the forefront of efforts to promote and protect economic, social and cultural (ESC)  rights. The launch took place on October 22nd during the upcoming 9th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya. (more)

download the handbook
 
 
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