PRESS RELEASE": Local Human Rights Activists Receive Special Recognition on International Day of Peace.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Human Rights Activists Receive Special Recognition on International Day of Peace.
Edmonton, September 20, 2021−The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights celebrates United Nations’ International Day of Peace with the 2021 Human Rights Awards On September 21, 2021. The 13th annual awards feature local heroes in a virtual celebration including a woman who made international headlines this winter helping unhoused Edmontonians during the pandemic.
The United Nations’ International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on September 21. Established 20 years ago by a unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides globally shared data for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
“These local heroes show us how we have the agency to transform our spaces into a more equal, inclusive, just and healthier world. The 2021 Human Rights Awards are an opportunity to honour the accomplishments of special recipients as we celebrate International Day of Peace,” said Renee Vaugeois of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. “I encourage everyone to be inspired by this year’s group of heroes to spread empathy, kindness, and hope as we brace and head into the fourth wave of the pandemic. Together we are stronger.”
Since 2007, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), has honoured the contributions of local individuals, organizations and businesses in our community and province that are working to advance the cause of human rights and peace. Previous honorees include human rights trailblazers Roxanne Ulanicki, Dennis Edney, Bernadette Iahtail, Robert Lee, Jim Gurnett, Allan Garber, and more. This year we add more esteemed names to the list.
Judith Gale Judith made international headlines in February 2021 by shining a spotlight on local human rights abuses when unhoused people were removed from an LRT shelter by police during an extreme cold snap. Her work at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, with the Bear Clan Patrol highlighted local gaps and efforts to lift the marginalized community in Edmonton.
YEG Community Response to COVID19 Facebook Admin Team is a volunteer group which grew exponentially overnight to support over 88,000 people struggling with food security during the first three waves of the pandemic.
Cameron Noyes has been helping those facing food security, helping transition people to housing, and addressing opioids since before COVID took hold. The activist, musician, and promoter’s work catalyzed the movement of Edmontonians around the Peace Camp during the darkest days of the pandemic.
Ivana Palacios is a young aspiring lawyer who stepped up during COVID-19 to help build a strong volunteer network of advocates across the province to help support people with human rights related advocacy and navigation.
Camp Pekiwewin went beyond what is traditionally offered by charities and shelters for houseless people. It provided space for dignity, culture and community. The anti-police violence, emergency relief and prayer camp was led by Indigenous 2 Spirit women and femme folks working in solidarity with Black, 2STLGBQIA+, and settler allies.
Bethel Pantry provides a critical need for access to food for citizens left more vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic. This food pantry runs grocery style with community members choosing what items they need on a weekly basis.
Lise Robinson is a social worker with the City of Edmonton and a tireless supporter of individuals and families in a number of communities, including the inner city in Norwood. Lise was instrumental in creating a partnership with Arts on the Avenue, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, the Neighborhood Empowerment Team, the Bethel Gospel Chapel and Edmonton’s Food Bank to set up a safe place for in-need community members to access free food at the Bethel Pantry.
The Human Rights Awards will be hosted on zoom on September 21, 2021 from 7- 8:30 pm by media personality and social justice and human rights advocate, Serena Mah https://meet.google.com/vow-agth-jgr?hs=224
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The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights works to advance dignity, freedom, justice, and security through collaborative relationships and transformative education on peace and human rights.
For additional information, contact:
Idara Effiom/Volunteer coordinator
E: idara@jhcentre.org
W: idara@jhcentre.org
