You have the right to dignity! The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse announces the names of the three 2016 Rights and Freedoms Award finalists
Montréal, November 8 2016 – The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse announced today the names of the three finalists for the 2016 Rights and Freedoms Award. They are: Action travail des femmes (ATF), the Fondation du Dr Julien, as well as Annie Pullen Sansfaçon et her daughter, Olie Pullen.
The Commission chose economic and social rights as the theme of the 2016 Award to highlight the 50th anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) adopted in 1966 by the United Nations General Assembly. Through its commitment to the ICESCR, the Québec Government undertook to promote these rights, some of which are contained in sections 39 to 48 of the Charter on Human Rights and Freedoms.
"Economic and social rights are central to humans’ essential needs. Having access to shelter and food, taking care of our children and being healthy, this is how we maintain our dignity," said the Commission’s acting President, Camil Picard.
The 206 Rights and Freedoms Award was chaired by Mr. Picard and composed of Steve Foster, president of the Chambre de commerce LGBT and winner of the 2013 Rights and Freedoms Award and Nadine Vollant, social services coordinator in Uashat mak Mani-Utenam near Sept-Îles and one of the 40 human rights activist honoured as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Charter in 2015.
The name of the recipient of the 2016 Award will be unveiled in Montréal on December 8, during a ceremony recognizing the finalists’ contribution to the advancement of social and economic rights in Québec.
Presented since 1988 on the occasion of International Human Rights Day marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights December 10, 1948, the Rights and Freedoms Award is each year to an organization or an individual as a public recognition for exceptional achievement or commitment to the defence of human rights and freedoms.
To find more information on the finalists as well as on economic and social rights please visit: www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/commission/services/Pages/pdl.aspx
The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Human Rights and Youth Commission) ensures the promotion and respect of the principles set out in the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It also ensures that the interests of children are protected and that their rights recognized in the Youth Protection Act are respected and promoted. In addition, the Commission oversees compliance with the Act respecting Equal Access to Employment in Public Bodies.
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Source :
Jean-François Gagnon
514 873-5146 or 1 800 361-6477, extension 230
jean-francois.gagnon@cdpdj.qc.ca
