Nominations Sought for Human Rights Award

For 40 years, members of the United Nations have set aside March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The date commemorates the events of March 21, 1960, when 69 people were killed and more than 180 injured in Sharpeville, South Africa, after police fired upon anti-apartheid demonstrators.

The world has come a long way since 1966's first official declaration of remembrance. We still have a long way to go. That is why it is important to honour people who continue to pave the way for an end to discrimination.

Each year, as part of its annual March 21 events, Partners Against Racism (PAR) and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission honour a Nova Scotian whose work has helped advance the cause of human rights.

"PAR is a volunteer organization that represents private and public sector organizations that are committed to racial harmony and awareness of human rights issues," said PAR co-chair Viki Samuels. "The Human Rights Award is just one small way that PAR members work with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to recognize important work that might otherwise go unnoticed."

Individuals or organizations across the province are encouraged to nominate people for this year's Human Rights Award. Nominees must be individuals who have made a significant contribution to protect human rights and/or eliminate racism in our communities.

"This year our March 21 event will focus on the many manifestations of racism, how it affects our young people, our health, our immigration practices and the environment of our communities at large. We'll be looking at nominations that fit in with those themes," said Ms. Samuels.

Nominations must be received by PAR by Tuesday, March 7. They must include information on the nature of the service or program offered, its target audience, how the organization or individual meets the criteria, whether a fee is charged for membership or access to the service and whether the organization or group is non-profit, public sector or corporate.

Nominations can be forwarded by e-mail to [email protected] or faxed to 902-424-0596.

Members of PAR consider nominations and forward recommendations to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for final approval.