Human Rights Awards 2012

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to nominate people and organizations that promote human rights in the province for the 2012 Human Rights Awards.

The awards are presented by the Human Rights Commission and Partners for Human Rights.

"We should never take for granted how important human rights are and how a passion by some to promote freedom makes life better for all of us," said Minister responsible for the Human Rights Act Ross Landry. "The awards are our way of recognizing people who strive for a better world and to let others know about their special work."

The awards will be given to the winners at the International Human Rights Day celebration, Monday, Dec. 10, at Millwood High School in Lower Sackville, Halifax Regional Municipality. The theme this year is Voice It! Change It!

"The importance of people in the province who have made promoting human rights a priority can't be overstated," said David Shannon, director and CEO of the Human Rights Commission. "While they may not grab headlines they make our communities stronger and more welcoming. We want to put the spotlight on them with the awards."

Award winners in 2011 were Tringa Rexhepi, Dartmouth and Doreen Crick, Halifax, and the Halifax Refugee Clinic.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Sept. 28. For more information and nomination forms go to www.gov.ns.ca/humanrights .