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OHRC marks Human Rights Day with call for student art, poetry and media

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December 10, 2019

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TORONTO – To mark International Human Rights Day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is calling on students to submit art, poetry and media on “what the right to read means to me” as part of its Right to Read inquiry.

Human Rights Day celebrates the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This year’s theme – youth standing up for human rights – coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and puts a spotlight on the inspiring leadership of youth in collective movements for a better future.

“The Commission is inspired by youth-led movements around climate action, anti-racism and the right to education. This initiative aims to empower students with reading disabilities to share their life experiences and ideas for progressive change through creative expression,” said Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane.

The OHRC invites students to explore the experience of reading disabilities, literacy, the right to read and standing up for human rights, to create art, poetry, sound or video. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2020.

Students can send their work in any common image, document, audio or video format to the OHRC at communications@ohrc.on.ca. Audio and video files should be limited to 30 seconds or less. For submissions larger than 12 MB, contact communications@ohrc.on.ca for dropbox arrangements.

Students can also spread the word (and the art!) by posting online and tagging the OHRC and use the hashtag #RightToRead. The OHRC is on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Select pieces may be included in the Right to Read inquiry report or used on OHRC social media with student consent.

Resources

Right to Read Inquiry terms of reference
Backgrounder
Right to Read flyer
Inquiry privacy policy

Media contact:

Yves Massicotte
Communications & Issues Management
Ontario Human Rights Commission/Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne
416-314-4491 Yves.massicotte@ohrc.on.ca

 

“The Ontario Human Rights Commission promotes and enforces human rights to create a culture of human rights accountability.”

www.ohrc.on.ca       www.facebook.com/the.ohrc       twitter.com/OntHumanRights