Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education is a non-profit organization that advances equality, social justice and respect for human dignity through innovative education programs in Canada and around the world. We equip frontline human rights defenders and educators, government institutions and children and youth with knowledge, skills and values to build a global culture of human rights.

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Our name is inspired from the Latin word for justice, equity and fairness and represents Equitas’ vision of a world in which every society is a “just society.”
Working in partnership with local organizations, Equitas programs empower individuals and communities to promote progressive change and to confront abuses of power. As a result of the success of programs such as the annual International Human Rights Training Program and Play it Fair! Equitas has built a reputation as a global leader in the field of human rights education and training.

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Equitas was founded in Montreal in 1967 by a group of leading Canadian scholars, jurists and human rights advocates. We are very proud to be part of the Canadian tradition of international engagement that began with the involvement of John Humphrey, a founding member of Equitas, in drafting the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. From 1967 – 2005, the organization was known as the Canadian Human Rights Foundation.

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Our independent Board of Directors provides oversight for a highly qualified staff based in our office in Montréal.

Download the fact sheet (PDF 70 Kb)