The 2008 John Humphrey Freedom Award Winners Visit Halifax

John Humphrey changed the face of Human Rights for the world when he drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The John Humphrey Freedom Award was named in his honour, and this year's winners, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, will visit Halifax on Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5.

"We are so pleased that Halifax has been chosen as one of the five cities that the award winners will be visiting," said Krista Daley, director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights are very deserving of this honour for the work that they do, and it is a great opportunity to share their insight and learn from their experiences."

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights organization has played a leading role in promoting and protecting human rights since its founding in 1996. They provide services ranging from legal support for victims of state-endorsed persecution, to public education and human rights training at the community level.

Representatives Irene Petras and Andrew Makoni will speak at an event hosted by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Rights and Democracy, and the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute at Dalhousie Law School on Friday, Dec. 5. Ms. Petras will also speak at the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women ceremony the same day at 10:30 a.m. in Province House.

"December is a busy month for human rights awareness," said Ms. Daley. "With the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3, and the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights' visit is another way to spread the message about the importance of promoting and protecting human rights.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights event will be held Friday at 6 p.m. in room 104 of the Weldon Law Building, Dalhousie Law School, 6061 University Ave.