OTTAWA PROGRAMS HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2005 EVENT

UNCLAS OTTAWA 003380

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO PHUM PREL ODIP PGOV APER CA
SUBJECT: OTTAWA PROGRAMS HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2005 EVENT

REF: SECSTATE 202764


1. (U) Post plans to observe Human Rights Day with an
educational outreach program to fourth grade students at
which Ambassador Wilkins will read a picture book entitled
"If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks" by Faith
Ringgold. The Ambassador will also educate the students
about Eleanor Roosevelt's role as the chairperson of the
Human Rights Commission. The event will take place in one of
the Parliament buildings and is being hosted by David
Kilgour, an Independent MP known for his work in the
international human rights field. The Political Section will
coordinate with Public Diplomacy as well as Mr. Kilgour's
office to arrange media coverage. Post's and Mr. Kilgour's
offices plan to post pictures of the event on their websites.


2. (U) Post is not aware of any other events sponsored by
members of the diplomatic community. However, Amnesty
International and the Canadian Rights and Democracy
organization are each sponsoring their own events. Amnesty
is promoting a letter writing campaign entitled "Write for
Rights." In 2004, approximately 700 events resulted in
individuals and groups producing over 20,000 letters
advocating various human rights cases to governments and high
profile activists across the world. Amnesty promotes the
program over the Internet (http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon)
and will post 25 to 30 different cases on December 1 as
guidelines for prospective participants. Rights and
Democracy, the GoC-funded institution whose international
mandate includes promotion, advocacy and defense of human
rights, will present its 2005 John Humphrey Freedom Award to
Mr. Yan Christian Warinussy of West Papua at a speech and
reception hosted on December 8 at the Canadian Museum of
Civilization.


3. (U) Per reftel's request for quotes, the following is
attributed anonymously:

"Great Tribute"

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom
of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom
of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of
speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us
freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right
to a fair trail.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the
right to vote.
It is the VETERAN, who salutes the flag and who serves under
the flag.







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WILKINS