Call for Nominations for 2018 Human Rights Awards

Nova Scotians are encouraged to nominate individuals and groups for the 2018 Human Rights Awards.

The awards are presented each year by the Human Rights Commission and Partners for Human Rights, a group of organizations dedicated to creating more respectful communities through promotion of human rights.

“Human rights are becoming more relevant to the lives of everyday Nova Scotians as national and international movements call for the end of old ways of thinking and acting,” said Christine Hanson, commission director and CEO.
“Calls for greater recognition of women’s rights, work towards the reconciliation of our relationships with Indigenous Peoples, addressing systemic racism and the need for greater accessibility for people with disabilities, are all movements occurring locally as well as around the world. We want to recognize the leaders among us.”
Award recipients are chosen in three categories: youth, individual and organization. Each year a recipient is selected to receive a special award named for Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones in honour of the late community leader.

Nominations should include people or groups that support projects which advance human rights.

Winners in 2017 included Wade Smith, Halifax, recognized posthumously for his leadership in human rights, inclusive education and community mentorship, the Bill 59 Community Alliance, recognized for its advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the province and Joshua Cochrane, 11, Yarmouth, honoured for his work to foster an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 4:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Human Rights Day, Dec. 10 in Halifax.

For more information and to download the nomination form, visit http://humanrights.novascotia.ca