40th anniversary of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms - Nominations now open: the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse to honour 40 human rights defenders in Québec

MONTRÉAL, April 14, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse is launching a special project to honour 40 human rights defenders to mark the 40^th anniversary of the adoption of the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

A special website under the theme "Une Charte, mille combats" was launched today at 40ansdelacharte.org which allows the public to nominate people who are making a difference and advancing human rights in Québec. There is also an interactive quiz, allowing young and old to test their knowledge of the Charter. The work and contribution of the 40 human rights activists will also be featured on this special website

Louise Arbour, the former United Nations high commissioner for human rights and a leading figure in international law, will chair the jury who will select the 40 defenders this summer. The other members are: Samian, First Nations rapper, Dr. Gilles Julien, founder of social pediatric clinics, Carla Beauvais, a community organizer for Black History Month and Ian Hamilton, executive director of Equitas, Centre for international human rights and winner of the Commission's 2014 Rights and Freedoms Award.

"We are very pleased that these extremely talented individuals, who care deeply about human rights and freedoms, have agreed to be part of the 40^th anniversary celebrations as members of the jury," said today, the president of the Commission, Jacques Frémont.

The call for nominations and the launch of the special website kick-off a year of special events organized by the Commission to mark the 40^th anniversary of the unanimous adoption of the Charter by the Québec National Assembly on June 27, 1975.

"I encourage everyone to nominate people who are making a difference, whether they are well-known or working behind the scenes, to celebrate this anniversary with us", said Mr. Frémont.

The 40 people selected by the jury will be invited to take part in a forum on December 10, 2015, International Human Rights Day. This forum will allow activists from all regions of Québec to meet and discuss the challenges they face in their work to promote and defend human rights and freedoms and to sign on to a declaration or make recommendations to the Commission.

Other special events to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Charter will be held all year long.

How to participate

Anyone who defends rights and freedoms in Québec on a regular basis and who works actively towards the advancement of those rights can participate. A person can submit his or her own candidacy or submit someone else's.

Information is available on the website 40ansdelacharte.org and the deadline is June 30, 2015 at 5 p.m.

To obtain an English-language form or for more information, please contact Jean-François Gagnon:

Tel.: [phone] or toll-free- 800-361-6477, ext. 230
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: 40ansdelacharte.org

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission) ensures the promotion and respect of the principles set out in the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It also ensures that the interests of children are protected and that their rights recognized in the Youth Protection Act are respected and promoted. In addition, the Commission oversees compliance with the Act Respecting Equal Access to Employment in Public Bodies.

Contact :
Jean-François Gagnon
514-873-5146 or 1-800 361-6477, ext. 230
[email protected]

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SOURCE Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse

Jean-François Gagnon, 514-873-5146 or 1-800 361-6477, ext. 230, [email protected]