Nominations Sought for Human Rights Award
On Dec. 10, 1947, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Since then, the date has become known as International Human Rights Day. It is recognized around the world as a chance to celebrate the achievements, remember the struggle, and continue the journey towards greater respect for human rights.
It is also a day to honour those who have been instrumental in advancing human rights.
This year Partners Against Racism (PAR) will use the day to focus on the legacy of hope in Nova Scotia inspired by Anne Frank, the 13-year-old girl whose diary has been shared by generations of readers.
Expressions of Hope: A Message to Anne Frank will use music, spoken word, and art, to celebrate how others have also helped counter discrimination.
"The current visit of the Anne Frank in the World, 1929-1945, display at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History seemed an ideal time to concentrate on people like Anne who experience discrimination, yet still manage to share their hope with others," said Sandra Smith Muir, co-chair of PAR, a committee of public and private sector organizations that promotes racial harmony.
To further honour International Human Rights Day, PAR and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission are looking for a Nova Scotian whose work continues to advance the cause of human rights.
Individuals or organizations across the province are encouraged to nominate people for the Human Rights Award. Nominees must have made a significant contribution to protect human rights in our communities.
Nominations must be received by PAR by Thursday, Nov. 30. They must include information on the nature of the service or program the person or organization is involved in, its target audience, how the organization or individual works to protect human rights, 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.
For nomination applications, see the Human Rights Commission website at http://gov.ns.ca/humanrights/par.htm . Nominations can be forwarded by e-mail to [email protected] or faxed to 902-424-0596, attention Linda Nicholl.
Members of PAR will consider the nominations and forward recommendations to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for final approval.
The award will be presented at the International Human Rights Day celebration, Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer St., Halifax. People are also being encouraged to visit the Anne Frank in the World 1929-1945 exhibit.
The travelling display, presented by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and a number of public and private sponsors, was developed by the Anne Frank Foundation in Amsterdam and sponsored in the United States and Canada by the New York based Anne Frank Center USA, Inc.