News release details

New collaboration with International Human Rights Institute for Peace 

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) today announced its first international education agreement, with the International Human Rights Institute for Peace (2idhp), located in Caen, in northwestern France.

"To truly open our doors to the world, we need to be a global institution for human rights education. We need to reach out to institutions like 2idhp, and create partnerships like the one we formalize today," said CMHR President and CEO Stuart Murray during a signing ceremony in Caen today. "I look forward to all that we will be able to achieve by working together to jointly promote education on human rights and peace." 

2idhp aims to promote human rights and peace, with a focus on awareness, reflection and education. One of its programs, called University of Peace, brings together university students from all over the world for an intense week‐long immersion on themes related to peace. Under the new agreement with CMHR, potential projects include developing education and professional development training programs, and a Winnipeg‐based adaptation of the 2idhp program.

"This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and co‐ordinate some of our efforts related to outreach and education on human rights," said 2idhp Secretary General Catherine‐Amélie Chassin. "Located in the region of Normandy, Caen has a special relationship to Canada, and it is most appropriate to be collaborating on a peace initiative." 

More than 5,000 Canadian soldiers were killed during the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War. The city of Caen was a key battleground for Allied and German forces. The Mémorial de Caen, a museum and war memorial, includes a memorial garden commemorating Canadian participation in that battle.

"It is fitting that this agreement has been reached as we approach the historic 70th anniversary of D‑Day," said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger speaking from Normandy where he will attend the commemoration ceremonies. "The work of both institutions will help us remember the sacrifices of the past and educate us as we work for peace in the future."

On June 5, members of the Manitoba delegation currently visiting France to mark the 70th anniversary of the D‑Day landings will have the opportunity to visit the Mémorial de Caen and take part in guided tours of the landing beaches.

About the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The CMHR is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. It is the first national museum in Canada to be built outside the National Capital Region. Using immersive multi‐media technology and other innovative approaches, the Museum will create inspiring encounters with human rights as part of a visitor experience unlike any other. 

About the International Human Rights Institute for Peace
The International Human Rights Institute for Peace is an organization dedicated to the promotion of respect for human rights as a necessary part of real and lasting peace. Created by the Region of Lower Normandy together with the City of Caen, the University of Caen, and other partners, the Institute is in a unique position as a connection between development, education and scientific research. The Institute is active in Normandy and Brittany in France, as well as Palestine, Israel, Macedonia, Mauritania, and Madagascar.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rhea Yates
CMHR media relations advisor
T: 204.289.2120
C: 204.806.3526
rhea.yates@museumforhumanrights.ca

Pierre Zamparo
2idhp Communications Advisor
T: 00 33 2 31 26 30 94
pierre.zamparo@2idhp.eu