Human rights defenders from Syria, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Sri Lanka, Morocco, and Yemen and from over 20 other countries were in Montreal from June 9 to June 28, 2013 to attend Equitas’ 34th annual International Human Rights Training program (IHRTP). During the three-week program, these human rights defenders and educators were provided with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of human rights and of the essential role of human rights education in effecting change. 
‘’I feel that we were taught a lot. I hope to do the most I can to share what I learnt from this training both on a personal level and in the work of my organization.’’ – A Haitian participant We also had the pleasure of welcoming the AIMIA Common Good Team to the program. Aimia and Equitas recently joined forces in a very special relationship. Fuelled by their culture of social purpose, Aimia has embarked upon a three-year relationship with Equitas that involves support on many levels – financial support of the IHRTP, support by way of Aeroplan Miles as well as technical advice. Five AIMIA employees spent a week at the IHRTP creating a marketing plan for Equitas to increase the visibility of the important work that we and our partners do. We are already preparing for the next IHRTP. The 2014 application form is now available and the IHRTP team is getting ready to process the more than 800 applications we receive from around the world. For more information about the IHRTP and the selection process, contact the IHRTP team: ihrtp-pifdh@equitas.org