Indigenous, Black and Muslim communities "Engage in a discussion on access to basic Human Rights" on Human Rights Day in Ottawa

OTTAWA, Dec. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - On Dec. 10, 2016 the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) brings its Dignity Tour, to Ottawa. The Tour is a networking/discussion series that aims to engage socially progressive individuals, from youth to professionals, from intersectional backgrounds to learn about local activism alongside IDRF's current Emergency, Disaster Relief and Development work which aims to transcend barriers in providing Dignity to disadvantaged persons all over the world.

Each event highlights a different sector and theme in IDRF's programming by exploring local community action in each new city. In Toronto IDRF empowered speakers and community members with disabilities, in Vancouver we focused on water access as a fundamental right, and in Calgary we shed light on the impact of disasters on mental health. Now in Ottawa, we are showcasing Access to Human Rights as a basic necessity for all persons everywhere while questioning barriers to Human Rights that exist for many suffering communities at local and global levels.

Our guest speakers provide crucial insight into addressing human rights in the Ottawa area: 

• Gabrielle Fayant, an Indigenous youth activist from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement. She is co-founder of Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G) and Program Manager of ReachUp! North.
  
  
• Farhia Ahmed, Co-chair of the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition – an Ottawa based social justice and advocacy group working to secure justice for the late Abdirahman Abdi and his family. 

Our emcee for the evening is Chelby Daigle, a vocal anti-racism and mental health advocate and Editor in Chief of Muslim Link, Ottawa's no. 1 Muslim community website.

Presentations from IDRF's Programs Director, Jessica Ferne, and Director of Fund Development and External Affairs, Farheen Khan, will speak to IDRF's mandate and upcoming charity walk series, the Dignity Walk, in May 2017. (www.walkfordignity.com).

Also, featuring a special performance from spoken word artist and social justice advocate, Cannon2x (Kamal Hakim).

All proceeds from this event will support IDRF's Spread the Warmth campaign which will provide lifesaving necessities like food, water, shelter, and heating supplies to refugees living in frigid conditions in Gaza and Lebanon refugee camps. 

Attendees can enjoy local catered finger foods and beverages while networking with like-minded individuals and esteemed guests.

Members of the Media are asked to attend.

About IDRF:

IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world. IDRF provides effective humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs, without discrimination, based on the Islamic principles of human dignity, self-reliance, and social justice. (www.idrf.com)

SOURCE International Development & Relief Foundation

For Media inquiries contact: Farheen Khan, Director, Fund Development & External Affairs, International Relief & Development Foundation (IDRF), [email protected] | 289-926-1850