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Bill Graham, Minister of Foreign Affairs Canada, launches Rights & Democracy's student network

News Release

QUEBEC - April 14, 2004 – The Hon. Bill Graham, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, joins Rights & Democracy today for the launch of the human rights organization's student network at Laval University in Quebec.

Created last September with funding from Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), The Rights & Democracy Network is now established on more than 20 post-secondary campuses across Canada.

"This student network provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize the contribution of young people to human rights issues," Minister Graham said. "I therefore reaffirm the Canadian government's interest in this initiative and encourage Rights & Democracy to promote the growth of delegations in Canada."

Rights & Democracy undertook the network's establishment in an effort to help fulfill its mandate to support research and education. The network encourages the creation of spaces where students can meet each other as well as members of the Canadian and international community at large. Network chapters will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about human rights, democratic development and globalization and to share ideas and to carry out activities that promote human rights.

"The response from Canadian students has been extraordinary," said Jean-Louis Roy, President of Rights & Democracy. "In seven months, we have built a network two times larger than what we expected."