About the Canada Committee

The Human Rights Watch Canada Committee, formed in autumn 2002, is part of a network of committees composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds in North America and Europe. The committees constitute an informed and engaged constituency that is essential for the defense of human rights. They seek to increase awareness of local and global human rights issues and enlist the public and governments to support basic rights for all. Committee members meet regularly to learn about human rights crises and policies and support Human Rights Watch through outreach, education, and fundraising initiatives.

Membership in the Human Rights Watch Canada Committee provides an inside perspective on one of the most exciting and effective international organizations. The Canada Committee is composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds. It was launched out of the belief that an informed and engaged constituency is essential for the defense of fundamental freedoms.

Canada Committee members have access to regular briefings by Human Rights Watch investigators, senior government officials, and informed observers. These sessions provide a unique and sophisticated perspective on breaking news and today’s most serious global problems. Canada Committee members strengthen Human Rights Watch and its global defense of essential liberties by contributing financially to its work, attracting potential supporters, and promoting the organization’s message and concerns.
 

Canada Committee Events

The Committee hosts two major events each year – the Annual Voices for Justice Dinner and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. The Committee also supports various other Human Rights Watch activities and initiatives throughout the year.

During the International AIDS Conference in August, the Canada Committee was actively involved in organizing an HRW booth and sponsored Beatrice Were, a Ugandan AIDS activist, to attend the Conference and a reception in her honour on August 15.

Contact the Canada Committee

For more information on the Canada Committee, or to enquire about joining, please contact Jasmine Herlt, the committee director at:

416-322-8448

Or e-mail:

herltj@hrw.org