Youth Panel to Address Bullying Issues

A diverse panel of youth will meet on Dec. 10 to discuss the topic of bullying as part of this year's International Human Rights Day theme, Beyond the Boundaries: Bullying, Human Rights and the Community.

A full day of activities is planned to commemorate Dec. 10 as the 53rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Dartmouth Sportplex and run until 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The event organizer, Partners Against Racism, has already confirmed the attendance of many schools and community groups.

"The work of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Partners Against Racism is important to promote human rights in communities, businesses and governments across the province," said Michael Baker, minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. "It is important to generate ideas, perspectives and approaches to stop bullying and we need to hear from all those who are affected -- parents, teachers, youth and the community as a whole."

Wanda Thomas Bernard, director of the Maritime School of Social Work at Dalhousie University, is the keynote speaker for the event. Her talk is titled Racism and Violence. Dr. Bernard has received funding towards a five year project studying African Canadian populations, and is also the team leader in a project that is part of a national study on the impact of racism, violence, and health. The study is taking place in Halifax, Toronto and Calgary.

Other activities include the presentation of Human Rights Awards. Each year the commission grants Human Rights Awards to individuals and/or organizations throughout the province who have made an exemplary effort to promote, preserve and protect human rights. This year two organizations will receive the award -- the 14 Days in December Resource Committee and the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth Project.

"Although human rights advancements extend beyond our province to national and international endeavours, the commission is particularly pleased to recognize local achievements in the field of human rights," said Mayann Francis, CEO of the Human Rights Commission. "It's important for us to recognize that community groups are involved in the protection and promotion of human rights in our province."

Panel discussions will be held in the morning, followed by breakout sessions in the afternoon. A report will be developed and released by the commission in January 2003 to summarize the results of the discussions.

A ceremony is also being held at the Cedar's Club in Sydney today, Dec. 9, to award the 2002 Tom Miller Human Rights Award to this year's recipient, Thelma Nobrega.

Partners Against Racism is a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights.

Commemorative Program: International Human Rights Day, Tuesday Dec. 10, Dartmouth Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd.

Masters of Ceremonies: Partners Against Racism members -- Merewyn Wagner, youth leader with YMCA Newcomers' Services, and Michael Anthony, program associate, Atlantic Jewish Council.

9 a.m. -- Welcome by Noel Knockwood, Mi'kmaq elder and spiritual leader

9:05 a.m. -- Opening remarks by Michael Baker, Minister charged with the administration of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act

9:10 a.m. -- Entertainment: Fire and Light Youth

9:20 a.m. -- Introduction of keynote speaker by James Dewar, chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

9:25 a.m. -- Keynote speaker: Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard

9:40 a.m. -- Presentation of Human Rights Awards by Mayann Francis, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
-- 14 Days in December Resource Committee
-- Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth Project

9:50 a.m -- Panel discussion -- Beyond the Boundaries: Bullying, Human Rights and the Community

• moderator: Jason Hopper, St. Patrick's High School
• Michael Anthony, Atlantic Jewish Council
• Krishaundra Beals, Cole Harbour High School
• Alejandra Monroy, Dartmouth High School
• Jennifer Powley, University of King's College School of
  Journalism
• Josh Stevens, Hants East Rural High School
• Leighann Wichman, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth Group

10:50 a.m. -- Entertainment: Dr. Henry Bishop, Black Cultural Centre

11 a.m. -- Closing remarks by Marie Paturel, co-chair of Partners Against Racism and equity officer with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

Working Group Session: Beyond The Boundaries: Bullying, Human Rights and the Community -- The purpose of the session is for members of the community to discuss solutions to address bullying. The discussions will be based on recommendations from the morning panel session. The goal is to come up with solutions to help promote change.

12:45 p.m. -- Registration

1 p.m. -- Introduction to the Working Group Session

1:15 p.m. -- Discussion Groups

3 p.m. -- Groups report findings and recommendations

3:30 p.m. -- Wrap-up and closing remarks by Viki Samuels, co- chair of Partners Against Racism and co-ordinator of Race Relations and Affirmative Action with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission