Nominations Sought For Student Journalism Award

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Nominations Sought For Student Journalism Award

Partners Against Racism (PAR) is looking for young journalists who are helping raise awareness of human rights issues.

Each year, PAR hosts a community event to commemorate March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year, in honour of the program theme Media and Racism: Getting the Message, the organization will pay tribute to a Halifax Regional Municipality high school student whose journalism work has focused on human rights.

"Raising awareness of human rights among our youth is a key aspect of March 21 activities," said Marie Paturel, co-chair of PAR. "And media plays a crucial role in this effort."

PAR -- a metro-based coalition of individuals and organizations concerned about human rights -- is accepting nominations for the award until March 5. All entries will be reviewed by a panel of people with experience in the fields of human rights and/or journalism.

The winning journalist's news article, series or program must have been published or aired in a school-based publication, radio/TV broadcast or website between Sept. 1, 2003 and March 1, 2004.

Submissions can be made by the student(s) or by an educator/advisor. Entries should have raised awareness of one of the characteristics protected by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and will display excellence in reporting.

Since the theme for this year's event on March 21 is the media and racism, preference may be given to submissions that focus on matters of race/colour and ethnic/national origin.

But entries will also be considered if they focus on such other protected characteristics as: religion/creed, association, sex (gender or pregnancy), physical or mental disability, age, source of income, aboriginal origin, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, political affiliation, marital status, family status, or irrational fear (illness or disease).

The certificate of honour will be presented on Sunday, March 21 as part of an afternoon program dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The program, which will be held at St. Patrick's High School in Halifax from noon to 4 p.m., will also feature a keynote address by poet George Elliot Clarke. Admission is free but donations to the food bank will be welcomed.

For information on how to submit an entry for the PAR Student Journalism Award call Tammy Walters at the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, 902-424-4111.