Alberta Human Rights Information Service September 8, 2008

                                                                           
Commission launches new interactive youth website

Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, in cooperation with other Canadian human rights commissions, launched a new interactive youth website celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) today. The website, intended for audiences aged 18 to 35, was developed by the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies (CASHRA), in collaboration with TakingITGlobal and the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. The Commission, a member of CASHRA, led the committee that developed this initiative.

The website provides youth with an interactive forum to help them learn about human rights and engage in a human rights dialogue. In addition to providing information about human rights issues and legislative frameworks enforcing human rights, the website offers tips for youth to get involved in promoting and protecting human rights. Interactive features on the site include discussion boards, an online art gallery, and calls to action.

To access the new website, visit the youth information and resources page on the Commission site and click on the banner.


International Adult Learners' Week recognizes 60th anniversary of the UDHR

Celebration of International Adult Learners' Week (IALW) begins today in Alberta. September 8 to 14, 2008 is IALW, an annual celebration to increase awareness of the importance of lifelong learning and to encourage adults to participate in many types of learning activities. This year IALW recognizes the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, which was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. The week provides an opportunity to recognize the important link between adult learning and building communities that value diversity and human rights.

The Commission recognizes the importance of increasing understanding of human rights and provides Albertans with resources and tools to learn about human rights in Alberta. On June 3, 2008, the Commission launched a new publication, Human rights in Alberta. This plain language publication is of particular interest to adults who are improving their English reading skills. It provides Albertans with easy-to-understand information about Alberta's human rights legislation and about the services offered by the Commission. Click here to link to the publication, teaching notes and the audio version.

For further information about the Commission's resources and programs, visit http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/. To learn more about IALW in Alberta, visit the Alberta Advanced Education and Technology website, and to learn more about IALW in Canada visit Canadian Commission for UNESCO.