Seeking Nominations for 2015 Human Rights Award

Nova Scotians are invited to nominate individuals or groups for the 2015 Human Rights Awards.

The awards are presented annually by the Human Rights Commission in collaboration with Partners for Human Rights, a coalition of organizations dedicated to creating a more respectful and inclusive community through human rights promotion.

"These awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize people who are advancing human rights in our communities," said Diana Whalen, Minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission. "This important work carried out by people of all ages across the province is making Nova Scotia a better place to live for all of us."

Recipients are chosen in three categories: youth, individual and organization. The individual award was renamed the Dr. Burnley Allan "Rocky" Jones Award in honour of the late community leader. Nominations should include people or groups that support projects which advance human rights.

With a low number of nominees in the youth category last year, those working with young people who demonstrate a commitment to human rights are asked to consider submitting a nomination. Young people are involved in a number of ways to protect human rights, including school programs and peer support networks.

Past winners include students from Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, Scott Jones of New Glasgow, Sgt. Craig Smith of Halifax, and the Nova Scotia Mass Choir.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 2. Winners will be announced at a ceremony Dec. 10 in Halifax.

For more information and to download the nomination form, visit http://humanrights.gov.ns.ca/ .