CALL FOR PROPOSALS – 8th International Conference on Human Rights Education in Montreal, Canada

An international forum to explore human rights education solutions to global challenges

The International Conference on Human Rights Education (ICHRE) is the forum for practitioners, policy-makers and academics to explore innovative education solutions to global challenges. This 3.5-day conference will assemble 300 participants from all over the world for practical workshops and insightful sessions featuring the latest tools, knowledge and good practices in human rights education.

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CALL FOR WORKSHOP SUBMISSIONS and PAPER PROPOSALS

Deadline to submit: April 30th, 2017 Email: ichre2017@equitas.org

Two steps for workshop submissions and paper proposals: 1. READ THE GUIDELINES (PDF document) 2. SUBMIT: DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE HERE (Word document) Conference registration: Official registration (for participants submitting workshop/paper proposals as well as those just attending) will be opened shortly and an announcement will be made. In the meantime, expressions of interest and enquiries can be sent to ichre2017@equitas.org.

We invite you to submit a proposal on this year’s theme:

Bridging our Diversities

In our globalized world today, we are experiencing more and more conflict based on ethnic, religious, and socio-economic identities and differences. Communities are struggling to respond to the impact of global migration patterns and the challenges associated with managing greater diversity. As our understanding of human rights and equality continues to evolve, we are constantly challenged to ensure the equitable participation of women, youth and groups that have been marginalized, including indigenous peoples; refugees/newcomers; visible minorities; lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people; and people living with disabilities. More than ever, there is a need for approaches that promote understanding, respect, inclusion, equality and reconciliation. Human rights education is a key strategy in this regard. At the Conference, we will work together to develop a dynamic articulation of the value of human rights education as well as document a collection of innovative and effective strategies and practices to respond to current global challenges. Join us in Montreal for some of the most important conversations of our time.

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About the conference

The Conference is co-organized by:

With the active participation in the Advisory Committee of: The City of Montreal, Canadian Human Rights Commission, Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Québec), Amnesty International. Conference objectives This 3.5-day conference will assemble between 300-400 practitioners, policy-makers, academics, members of CSOs and other people who are interested in human rights education (HRE) to:

Deepen our understanding of the impact of human rights education in tackling current global challenges.
Identify strategies and formulate recommendations for ensuring HRE becomes a higher priority for governments and civil society organizations.
Share and showcase good HRE practices and innovative tactics from around the world that aim to promote respect for diversity and inclusion, strengthen social cohesion and reconciliation, and support knowledge and education as drivers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Forge new connections and reinforce existing efforts to build networks and communities of practice for human rights defenders[1].

Why a conference on Human Rights Education (HRE)? The ICHRE is a global discussion forum to connect around shared human rights challenges and focus on good practices and innovation in education. This conference will provide opportunities to share rights-based education experiences and practical HRE tools. It will create spaces where participants can explore how HRE can build more peaceful and equitable communities and provide effective solutions to current national and global challenges related to diversity, inclusion, violence and extremism. Why Equitas? Why in Montreal? Celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2017, Equitas has been a leader in the field of human rights education since it was established in Montreal by a group of engaged Canadians that included John P. Humphrey (one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and Thérèse Casgrain (renowned Quebec advocate for women’s rights). Montreal, Quebec and Canada have a legacy of playing active roles domestically and internationally in efforts to promote and protect human rights. Through collective efforts to come to terms with our own human rights challenges (gender equality, the rights of indigenous peoples, inclusion of immigrants and minorities, equality for LGBTQI people, etc.), Canadians have developed valuable lessons to share, but also have important lessons to learn in building inclusive and equitable communities. Given the current context in Canada, an important theme of the conference will be the role of human rights education in reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Conference Outputs

Strategic recommendations for decision-makers in Governments, civil society organizations and international institutions on how to on how to use the tools of human rights education to address global challenges and improve the impact of HRE.
A collection of accessible HRE success stories and good practices for professionals in various human rights and education areas.
A tool on indicators of HRE impact for practitioners.

Join us in Montreal, Canada! The Conference Bridging our Diversities will take place during a year of important anniversaries: Canada 150, Montreal 375 and Equitas 50. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the lessons learned from Canada, Quebec, Montreal and Equitas’ experience promoting human rights, pluralism, inclusion and respect for diversity.