December 12, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
As the world marks Human Rights Day this week, Canada reiterates the importance of the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and their critical work. Canada is also committed to defending media freedom and its vital role as a pillar of society.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today 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.
Quotes
“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
Quick facts
- Promoting respect for human rights is at the heart of Canada’s international engagement. The Government of Canada recognizes the key role played by human rights defenders in protecting human rights and strengthening the rule of law, often at great risk to themselves and their families and communities.
- While increasingly engaged in addressing pressing global challenges, children —especially girls — face specific risks due to their status in society. The continued lack of recognition of child human rights defenders under international legal frameworks deprives them of the legal protections afforded to adult human rights defenders and undermines their ability to act as change makers.
- The Government of Canada supports media freedom as a key part of democratic society, essential to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Societies need access to reliable independent media for accurate information and informed analysis.
- Through its initial funding, Canada helped establish the UNESCO-administered Global Media Defence Fund, which helps advance the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
Associated links
- Voices at risk: Canada’s guidelines on supporting human rights defenders
- Freedom of expression and media freedom
Contacts
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada