As the world marked Human Rights Day, Canada reiterated the importance of the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and their critical work. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced $1.85 million in funding for two projects that support child human rights defenders and a free and independent media worldwide.
Canada is contributing $850,000 to a three-year project led by Child Rights Connect to empower, to protect and promote the rights of child human rights defenders, who are increasingly engaged in global human rights challenges, without the same legal protections as adults. This funding will help Child Rights Connect promote safe and sustainable human rights advocacy by child human rights defenders in Togo, Thailand, Moldova and Brazil.
Canada will also contribute an additional $1 million to the Global Media Defence Fund, bringing Canada’s total contribution to the fund to $4 million. Administered by UNESCO, the Global Media Defence Fund works to enhance the protection of journalists and media organizations so they can carry out their critical work without fear of violence, censorship or intimidation. The fund will also ensure public access to diverse and reliable sources of news and information. [see also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2024/02/12/investigative-journalism-in-arab-states-the-threats-to-journalists/]
“In the face of growing challenges to human rights globally, the work of human rights defenders and the protection of media freedom are more important than ever. Canada stands unwavering in its commitment to working with partners to safeguard and expand the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and journalists around the world.” – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.