To mark the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), as proclamed by the United Nations General Assembly, the Faculty of Social Work – University of Manitoba, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission have partnered to host a three-part series of online human rights research and policy symposiums.

The third and final symposium, “Recognizing and Overcoming Systemic Oppression: Advancing Health, Social, and Economic Justice Together,” takes place on February 18, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST).

This event will expose the underlying root causes of persisting systemic and institutional oppression/privilege based on perceived “race” as the dynamic social constructions of race and the “race” ideology and, interpersonal and internalized oppression. It will build on previous discussions on similarities in the experiences of Indigenous persons and African-descent Canadians, with respect to historical and persisting oppression, and healing from inter-generation traumas of slavery and colonization.

Presenters from a cross section of organizations and institutions – include academic, governmental and human rights agencies, policy and systems analysts, researchers and community leaders. They will highlight the costs of oppression on people’s health and development, as well as share human rights-based strategies that promote practical means to achieve healing, inclusion, and restorative equity for all Canadians.

Of note, Professor Gyonggu Shin, the Director for Gwangju International Center, South Korea, will explain the concept behind, and the benefits of, World Human Rights Cities.

 

Due to COVID-19, the symposium will be held online using the WebEx video conferencing platform.

If you wish to attend, Register a week before the event to receive discounted education rates at: https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/social_work/symposiums_registration.html

Once you have registered, a link to the event will be emailed to you.