Alberta Human Rights Information Service November 24, 2006
International Day raises awareness of violence against women
The Government of Alberta has issued an information bulletin about upcoming days of recognition that raise awareness of violence against women.
Commemorative day: Albertans will commemorate November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, by reflecting on the continuing occurrence of violence against women and recommitting their actions for preventing it. From the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) website: "People around the world are coming together to condemn this universal crime against women on this day." Visit the UNIFEM website to read more about the day and international events.
To read about family violence and prevention programs available at the community level in Alberta, visit the Alberta Children's Services' website. Alberta Children's Services also offers other violence prevention programs. Read more.
White Ribbon Campaign: November 25 also marks the beginning of the 16th annual White Ribbon Campaign. In an effort first initiated by men to end violence against women, white ribbons are worn by many Canadians as a symbol pledging to never condone violence against women or remain silent. The 2006 campaign theme, "Our Future has No Violence Against Women," reflects the deep commitment to affect change by working with teachers, school boards and unions in an effort to educate youth about anti-violence and gender equity issues. In Canada, the white ribbon campaign runs until December 6. Order WRC products.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women: December 6 marks the anniversary of a tragic event in our country's history and is recognized as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, fourteen young women were murdered at Montreal's l'École Polytechnique because of their gender.
Many groups throughout Alberta will hold events to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Status of Women Canada has developed products and information on violence against women to help organize an activity to mark this special day. Order products and information.
25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW): This year, Canadians also recognize the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. This international treaty pledges equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities for women and men.
December 10 is
International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day resource: The Commission's publication Ways to Commemorate International Human Rights Day includes many suggestions to help plan an event to mark International Human Rights Day.
Here is advance notice of two upcoming events in Calgary. More information about International Human Rights Day will be provided in the December issue of the Alberta Human Rights Information Service.
Islamaphobia and Anti-Semitism panel discussion: The Commission will be delivering opening greetings at the United Nations International Human Rights Day Commemoration on Wednesday, November 29th at the University of Calgary between 12:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the Murray Fraser Hall, Law Moot Court Room (Room 2370). The event features a panel discussion entitled "Islamaphobia and Anti-Semitism: It's About all of Us." The event is being organized by the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, the Committee on Race Relations and Cross Cultural Understanding and the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. A light lunch will be provided. For more information, call (403) 220-2505.
Keynote speaker addresses racial profiling: The Commission will be delivering opening greetings at a United Nations International Human Rights Day Commemoration at the John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library, on Friday, December 8th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fo Niemi, keynote speaker, will address the topic "Is Racial Profiling a Human Rights Issue?" Fo Niemi, co-founder of the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), which promotes access to equality for minorities in Québec, is also a member of the Commission des droits de la personne du Quebec. He has volunteered his services in a large number of activities which promote the rights of minorities and facilitate their access to justice. The event is being organized by the Committee for Race Relations and Cross Cultural Understanding, the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary, and the Calgary Multiculturalism Centre, in partnership with the Calgary Main Public Library. Refreshments will be provided.
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