Tribute to Fatou Bintou Thioune, an inspiring human rights defender
It is with great emotion that Equitas pays tribute to Fatou Bintou Thioune, a close collaborator and long-time partner, whose passing we learned of with great sadness last July. Her unwavering commitment to human rights and women's rights in Senegal and West Africa touched hundreds of lives and inspired a whole generation of human rights [...] When exchanges fuel collective action!
Last week, Equitas immersed itself in an inspiring and rejuvenating experience: three days rich in encounters and discussions at the 3rd International Francophone LGBTQI Conference of Égides—International Francophone Alliance for Equality and Diversity in Montreal—Francophone LGBTQI Horizons: Transmitting, Celebrating, and Preparing for Tomorrow. Through its conference, Égides offered more than 300 participants representing different French-speaking countries [...] In this age of authoritarians, a global democracy movement is taking shape
This article was published in The Globe and Mail on August 4th, 2025. The forces of authoritarianism are on the march. On July 17, Cristosal, a human rights organization and Canadian Embassy partner addressing internally displaced women and families, was forced to abandon El Salvador after 25 years. "We have been forced to leave the [...] Human rights education in situations of conflict
Survey Report Facilitated by Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education Rights don’t stop in conflict situations. There is an increased need to ensure values of justice, rights, equality, environmental protection, which don’t stop when a conflict starts. – Survey respondent This report explores the importance, feasibility, and approaches to human rights education (HRE) […]
Democracy… Where are we now?
In Canada, and around the world, we are facing threats to democracy. We are seeing the spread of false information through deepfakes, and many people are relying too heavily on social media for news instead of turning to trusted journalism. Us-versus-them thinking is growing, and public trust in our democratic institutions and political leaders is [...] The power of communities… Standing Together for Human Rights!
This year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia is centered around the theme “The Power of Communities.” A strong and hopeful message… and above all, a call to action! Worrying Setbacks In recent months, the rights of LGBTQI+ people have suffered serious setbacks in several parts of the world. Anti-gender movements are [...] The right to a healthy environment is a fundamental right
You might think that the impact of the tariff war imposed on Canada by the Trump administration in the United States would prompt us to set aside other concerns. The opposite is true. It is now, at this historic moment, that the defense of all human rights for all is so crucial. The right to [...] EquiTalks: Connecting Climate Justice and Human Rights for a Just Future
Join us in person in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke*) for an inspiring and impactful event! This year’s EquiTalks focuses on the powerful intersection of human rights and the right to a healthy environment, exploring how the two are intertwined in shaping a just and sustainable future. We are honored to host a moderated panel that will bring together [...] Highlights and learnings for LGBTQI+ rights from the ILGA Conference
From November 11 to 15, 2024, several partners of the Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF), managed by Equitas, in collaboration with Dignity Network Canada gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 31e ILGA Conference on LGBTQI+ rights. More than 1,450 people from some 100 countries took part in panels and discussions around the [...] Launch of the Resilience Network: A Step Toward Solidarity
On December 4th, 2024, Massey College in Toronto hosted an inspiring milestone event: the Launch of the Resilience Network, a promising, innovative, global initiative designed to empower exiled democracy, civil society and human rights advocates living in Canada to continue their advocacy and civic engagement in a safe, supportive environment. The Resilience Network is a [...]