Human Rights Awards Presented at North Preston Event

Two people from Halifax Regional Municipality were recognized by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission today, Dec. 10, for their work in promoting human rights.

Fourteen-year-old Kendra Slawter of East Preston and Anne Simmons of North Preston were presented with the 2010 Human Rights Award at the International Human Rights Day Event at the North Preston Community Centre.

The theme this year is Unity in Our Communities. Both winners are very involved in community activities that have brought together people of all ages.

"Both of these individuals have displayed a passion for helping others that we can all admire and they have made their communities better places to live," said Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, Percy Paris on behalf of Ross Landry, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act.

"Their communities are a huge part of their lives and they have enriched them with their contributions," said Mr. Paris, who is also a past recipient of the Human Rights Award.

Kendra is a member of the Graham Creighton Junior High school community student council, the chair of the sick committee at the East Preston Baptist Church. She volunteers at the East Preston Daycare, cuts grass for seniors and maintains the church nursery. She is also involved in the after school living and healthy living programs.

Ms. Simmons volunteers as Sunday school teacher and with the Hallelujah Praise Choir. She is a long-standing member of the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia. She has served as president, chair of fundraising committee and is now chair of the personnel committee of the society. She also serves on the board of the North Preston Daycare. She has been recognized for her work by a number of organizations including the Women Who Made a Difference award from the Congress of Black Women.

"The two recipients demonstrate the true meaning of human rights and building unity in our communities," said Krista Daley, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "They have shown through their actions the fundamental nature of human rights in each of us. The commission is pleased to recognize them for their achievements and personal commitment."

International Human Rights Day celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted by the United Nations on Dec. 10, 1948 in Paris. It has been translated into at least 375 languages and dialects, and is credited with shaping human rights around the world. The original document was drafted by Canadian John Humphrey. For more information go to http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/.