Canada supports Equitas in increasing respect for human rights and the rights of the child in developing countries
June 9, 2014 – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, on behalf of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis, gave the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 35th annual International Human Rights Training Program. At this event, he announced that Canada would provide funding for the Strengthening Global Human Rights Education project, which is run by the non-governmental organization Equitas.
“Unfortunately, human rights, which should ensure the dignity and security of all human beings, are still threatened worldwide. Canada leads the way in promoting human rights, not only as a Canadian value, but as a universal value," said Senator Boisvenu. Protecting human rights is essential to development and to our ultimate objective of eliminating poverty in the developing world. Advancing democracy is a cornerstone of our aid effectiveness agenda, and Canada will continue its firm support for human rights.”
This funding supports the Equitas Canada-based training program, which provides annual training for human rights educators from some fifty developing countries. When they return to their own country, these educators can enhance their efforts to improve the human rights status of target communities and recipients. Moreover, the new project calls for engagement and policy dialogue activities related to protecting the rights of children and youth in four priority countries: Haiti, Senegal, Tanzania and Colombia.
Sandrine Perion
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
819-953-9528
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
mailto:media@international.gc.ca
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