What was your thesis/practicum placement and major research paper on and who was your advisor?
For my practicum, I was placed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, where I focused on the right to health, empathy, storytelling and information disorder. I also worked at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission through the STEP program, where I participated in investigations. My major research paper, advised by Professor Dr. Kjell Anderson, examined Indigenous genocide in Brazil during the pandemic, with a particular focus on state policies, structural violence, and accountability. The paper examined how conventional frameworks of transitional justice frequently fail to adequately address the unique and ongoing harms experienced by Indigenous communities.

Why did you choose that thesis topic or practicum placement?
As a Brazilian physician who worked on the front lines of the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand how public health was politicized and how marginalized communities were disproportionately affected. My transition into human rights advocacy emerged from that experience. The practicum at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights enabled me to integrate my medical background with critical human rights reflection. My major research paper was an extension of my commitment to amplify voices often silenced by dominant narratives and legal frameworks. 

What inspired you to pursue an MHR degree at the University of Manitoba?
After becoming politically engaged in Brazil during a period of democratic backsliding and misinformation, I realized the need to expand my understanding of justice and advocacy beyond clinical care. The University of Manitoba’s interdisciplinary MHR program was one of the few that offered both academic depth and practical experience. It was the perfect bridge between my medical training and my growing commitment to human rights, particularly in the areas of public health, Indigenous rights, and transitional justice.

What was your favourite / most memorable moment or experience while taking this degree?
There were many meaningful moments, but one that stands out was being part of the international partnership project between the University of Manitoba and the University of Brasília. Facilitating knowledge exchange between institutions in Canada and Brazil, especially on Indigenous justice and reconciliation, felt like a full-circle moment, bringing together my roots, my research, and my hopes for collective change. 

What advice would you give to anyone considering taking an MHR at UM as to the benefits the degree will have to your career?
The MHR program at UM opens space for bold, interdisciplinary thinking and action. Whether you come from a law, social sciences, healthcare, or activist background, this program will challenge you to connect theory to practice in a deeply personal and impactful way. For me, it reshaped my career path by blending medicine, research, and advocacy, and provided me with the tools and network to pursue meaningful work at the intersection of human rights and public health.

Applications for the next cohort of the University of Manitoba’s Master of Human Rights program are due December 1.

Twelve students showcased their work across four different thematic panels including Human Rights, Equity and Socio-Economic Rights; International Human Rights Law – Comparative, Indigenous Peoples, Race Relations; International Human Rights Law – Identifying, Shaping & Realizing Rights; and Human Rights and Justice – Case Studies.

Keynote speaker, Senator Marilou McPhedran.

Dr. Mary Shariff [LLB/02], Professor of Law and Director of the Master of Human Rights Program, introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Senator Marilou McPhedran, who discussed instances she has witnessed throughout her career of the need for Human Rights activism and the life-saving effects that evidence-based advocacy has had on such efforts. “Evidence-based advocacy is what makes for a turning point,” she told students.

The former lawyer and University of Winnipeg Global College professor and dean, then remained in the audience throughout the afternoon to take notes, listening carefully and asking questions following each presentation.

Each panel was moderated by an expert who also facilitated the question-and-answer sessions following each presentation. These individuals included:

• Amar Khoday, Professor at the UM Faculty of Law who specializes in the intersection of law and resistance. He teaches courses in criminal law and immigration law at Robson Hall, among other topics related to resistance and challenging injustice.
• Ran Ukashi, Manager and Research and Head of Knowledge Translation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, who oversees the conduct of research supporting the Museum’s curatorial, programmatic, educational and digital initiatives. His doctoral degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from UM’s Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice focused on international conflict resolution and management, and international peace keeping.
• Laurelle A. Harris, K.C., [LLB/01] Director of the Internationally Trained Lawyer Program, Equity and Transformation at the UM Faculty of Law who leads anti-racism education, policy reform and systemic reviews, including at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
• Marc Kruse [JD/15], Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services at the UM Faculty of Law. In addition to engaging in academic research on social justice education and Indigenous educational ethics, he practices as a criminal defence lawyer at Rees Dyck Rogala Law Offices. He co-teaches the Indigenous Methodologies and Perspectives course at the UM Faculty of Law and is a proud member of Muscowpetung First Nation in Saskatchewan.

The Faculty of Law, together with collaborators and advisors from the Faculties of Arts, Education and Social Work and practicum site supervisors, extends sincere congratulations to all students on their hard work. We look forward to celebrating their upcoming graduation.

Students and their respective symposium topics are as follows:

Panel One: Human Rights, Equity & Socio-Economic Rights
Panel Moderator: Dr. Amar Khoday

Avery Selby-Lyons

Paper title: “A Matter of Human Rights, Not Luxury: Enacting Legislation for Uniform Guaranteed Access to Menstrual Products Across Canada”
Practicum site: PERIOD
Advisor: Dr. Rory Henry
Site supervisor: Damaris Pereda

Irene Uwase

Paper title: “Rural Women, Cooperatives, & Legislative Action in Addressing the Gender Pay Gap in Rwanda”
Practicum site: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Advisor: Dr. Jesse Hajer
Site supervisor: Molly McCracken

Augustine Caesar Nyero

Paper title: “Refugee Resettlement & Access to Socio-Economic Rights – Role of Settlement Agencies in Manitoba”
Advisor: Dr. Laura Rosenoff Gauvin
Practicum site: Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM)
Site supervisor: Carol Reimer

Panel Two: International Human Rights Law – Comparative, Indigenous Peoples, Race Relations
Panel Moderator: Dr. Ran Ukashi

Talia Mohammed

Paper title: “Ethnoracial Relations in Trinidad and Tobago: Analyzing how Racial Divisions Among Political Parties Block Progressive Realization”
Advisor: Dr. Amar Khoday
Practicum site:  Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties (MARL)
Site supervisor: Sandra Krahn

Piaroa Nunez

Paper title: “Dispossession, Violence, Resistance: First Nations and Mapuche Women in the Face of Settler Colonial Patriarchy”
Advisor: Dr. Adele Perry
Practicum site: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Site supervisor: Kaila Johnston

Priscila Alves Werton

Paper title: “Indigenous Genocide and the Pandemic: The Case of Brazil”
Advisor: Dr. Kjell Anderson
Practicum site: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Site supervisor: Dr. Ran Ukashi

Panel Three: International Human Rights Law – Identifying, Shaping & Realizing Rights
Panel Moderator: Laurelle A. Harris, K.C.

Kyra Campbell

Thesis title: “Reproductive violence in Armed Conflict: International Law and the Case of Gaza”
Advisor: Dr. Nathan Derejko 

Imtiaz Mahmud

Paper title: “A Critical Emanation of Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCSAP) from the Adaption Perspective”
Advisor: Dr. Nathan Derejko
Practicum site: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Site supervisor: Dr. Ran Ukashi

Atefeh Abedinpour

Thesis Title: “International Humanitarian Law under the Light of the Human Right to a Healthy, Clean and Sustainable Environment”
Advisor: Dr. Nathan Derejko

Panel Four: Human Rights and Justice – Case Studies
Panel Moderator: Marc Kruse

Victoria Nelson

Paper Title: “The Overlooked Human Rights Violations in Prisons and the Case Against the Death Penalty”
Advisor: Dr. Rick Linden
Practicum Site:  MARL
Site Supervisor: Sandra Krahn 

Wendy Daphne Ochola

Paper Title: “Reinterpreting Article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: A Case for Harm Reduction as a Rights-Based Approach to Child Protection”
Advisor: Dr. Nathan Derejko
Practicum Site: Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
Site Supervisor: Jonny Mexico

Stella Louku

Paper Title: “Impact of Forced Early Marriage on Public Secondary Education: Maasai Girls in Kenya”
Advisor: Dr. Bruno de Oliveira Jayme
Practicum Site: MARL
Site Supervisor: Sandra Krahn

“When MLT Aikins agreed to continue sponsoring the room’s upgrades, we reflected on evolving modalities of teaching and learning innovations with our post-pandemic experiences,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “We realized that since COVID, the seminar format favoured by some professors had – by necessity – become disrupted but that a ‘podcast’ format can allow remote learners to remain engaged in the discussion.”

The intent of the podcast studio is for student groups, professors and various Faculty of Law staff interested in using podcast formats for conducting courses, research or learning events, to have a comprehensive in-house studio at their fingertips. Of course, the equipment is also intended to record actual podcasts, such as Robson Radio, the official podcast of the Faculty of Law, hitting the air in January of 2025, and the recently launched Footsteps podcast produced by Dr. Mary Shariff, Director of the Master of Human Rights program.

“We embraced the podcast opportunity to help showcase the innovative Master of Human Rights program at the University of Manitoba,” said Shariff. “This engaging format leverages technology to make information about the MHR program and the phenomenal work going into advancing and protecting human rights accessible to a broader audience, including potential and current students, as well as interested folks in Canada and around the world.”

The first three Footsteps episodes have featured a number of fascinating interviews including one with Dr. Laura Reimer, former MHR Program Practicum Co-ordinator and now Director of Program Development for the Faculty of Law.

With the application deadline for the MHR program falling annually on December 1, Shariff jumped at the opportunity to promote it. “This unique interdisciplinary educational program is the first of its kind in Canada, bridging multiple faculties and recognizing and drawing on the diverse lived experiences and aspirations of our students. Now is the perfect time to embrace innovative accessible tools that encourage and foster engagement around crucial human rights topics and human rights education. We are so grateful to Dean of Law, Richard Jochelson and MLT Aikins for making this possible.”

An old language brings A New Hope 
Creatures across galaxies both near and far, far away celebrated the world premiere of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope. Cary Miller, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, served as one of the project leads and Patricia Ningewance, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, was the lead translator. The movie trailer uses behind-the-scenes and interview footage shot by UM Film Studies students. 

Our herd moves the world 
In September, President Michael Benarroch penned a bold letter to Manitobans inviting them to see the Bisons at the centre of every industry in our province: from entrepreneurship, to finance, health care, Reconciliation, human rights, the arts and so much more. It kicks off UM’s first reputational campaign in ten years, designed to attract more Bisons to the university. 

Giving the best shots 
Thanks to the largest federal research investment in its history, UM will soon be home to two world-leading vaccine and biomanufacturing facilities. Manitoba’s first Containment Level 3 lab, to be located on the Bannatyne campus, will provide pre-clinical vaccine testing against high-risk pathogens of concern in a safe and secure environment. A second biosecure facility on the Fort Garry campus will develop new vaccines and approaches to improve the reliability and speed of biomanufacturing at scale. 

A defining moment 
Master of Human Rights student Nabil Iqbal is drawing attention to climate refugees in his graduate research – a rapidly expanding group who don’t have a legal definition and therefore can’t receive protection under law. With current estimates saying 2.8 billion people will face severe ecological threats by 2050, his work could have ground-breaking impact. 

Top of their class 
Seven UM students graduated this year at Spring and Fall Convocation with Governor General’s Academic Medals for outstanding achievement at their level of study. From taking risks in the name of learning to keeping an open mind, these bison are ready and able to take on the world. 

In solidarity 
A new scholarship is creating community through the shared experience of losing a family member. Alum Justin Price created a memorial fund in honour of his mother that is now supporting students who, like him, had to balance the pressures of school with the weight of grief. 

Equality and inclusion through education 
This October, 19 Indigenous teachers from St. Theresa Point First Nation graduated from an innovative post-baccalaureate program designed to respond specifically to community-identified needs, rather than starting from pre-determined requirements. Educators from St. Theresa studied culturally relevant assessment and instruction with a focus on inclusion and academics; Reconciliation in working with parents/families; the history and impact of residential schools; and trauma-informed pedagogy. 

A partnership with global reach 
UM has received more funding (over $450 million) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation than any Canadian post-secondary institution. This year, an additional donation of $12.5 million will expand the work of the Institute for Global Public Health to improve availability and access to reproductive, maternal and newborn health services in Africa and Pakistan. 

Five distinguishing faces 
A core group of UM alumni received the honour of a Distinguished Alumni Award for pushing the envelope in business, community health, research, community service and storytelling. At a sold-out gala event, they were shown to be some of UM’s best and brightest Bisons.  

Learning through adventure 
Savouring a pastel de nata in Portugal or climbing Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil – glorious! All while completing a business degree – even better! Over 100 Asper students spent the past year travelling the world while studying at partner business schools through the faculty’s exchange program, gaining a truly transformative professional and personal experience. 

The six graduates represent diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences with practicum placements and thesis topics covering a wide range including Gender and Human Rights, Indigenous and Minority Rights, New Horizons in Human Rights, and Migration, Displacement and Human Rights. Students in the Practicum program, students participate in work placements with leading local and international human rights organizations to gain practical, hands-on experience doing human rights work.  Students and their topics are as follows:

Erin Gobert (Thesis) Human rights and reproductive healthcare in rural, remote, and northern Manitoba

Nabil Iqbal (Thesis) Refining legal frameworks for cross-border climate-induced displacement: a comprehensive analysis of provisions, definitions, and new arrangements under international law

Claire (Xiaoxia) Li (Practicum) Understanding the right to education under the Hukou system in China: from a human rights perspective

Ana Martin (Practicum) The international right to health and Jordan’s Principle: a comparative analysis of the substantive and procedural differences to Indigenous children’s right to health in Canada

Trixie Maybituin (Thesis) A preliminary human rights-based analysis of Winnipeg’s municipal budget

Fatemeh Shabani (Thesis) Power and paradigms in accounts of Iran’s human rights situation: a case of epistemic injustice

The University of Manitoba launched its Master of Human Rights (MHR) program in September 2019. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and prepares students for careers in human rights advocacy. The program is a collaboration of the faculties of Arts, Law, Education, and Social Work. It also cooperates with the Centre for Human Rights Research, the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice in St. Paul’s College, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

The MHR program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Fall Term. The deadline for applications is December 1^st, 2024. Visit the Explore page to apply.

Detailed information about the University of Manitoba’s Master of Human Rights program can be found on the Faculty of Law website.

The International Human Rights Clinic at the UM Faculty of Law opened this fall.

Fenske shared that through a combination of clinical projects and academic learning, “students are immersed in human rights work. By engaging with mechanisms that protect and promote human rights at the international, regional, and domestic levels, students gain hands-on experience while also developing practical skills in strategic advocacy, focusing on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges.”

For the 2024-2025 academic year, students in the IHRC can participate in one of four initial projects that align with the IHRC mission to advance human rights through collaborative research, experiential learning, advocacy and litigation.

Second-year law student Tréchelle Bunn is working on an IHRC project in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO). The project focuses on advocating for the rights and interests of the 33 First Nations in southern Manitoba that SCO represents.

A key part of Bunn’s project with SCO through the IHRC involved preparing for and participating in the United Nations Second intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council on concrete ways to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council. The Second Intersessional Meeting was held from October 17 to 18 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Left to right: Chief Kurvis Anderson (Pinaymootang First Nation), Tréchelle Bunn (2L), Peter MacDougall (Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva), Grand Chief Jerry Daniels [BA (Economics)/08] (Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.), and Chief Wayne Desjarlais (Ebb and Flow First Nation).

During the meeting, Bunn delivered four key interventions before the Human Rights Council on behalf of SCO, offering specific recommendations on how the Council can enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation in its work. In one intervention, Bunn emphasized the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ involvement in the work of the Human Rights Council and all UN mechanisms, stating, “There should be no forum where UN bodies and entities are discussing the rights of Indigenous Peoples without the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples.”

In addition to advocating at the Second Intersessional Meeting, Bunn attended the 89^th Session of the United Nation’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Bunn also had the opportunity to attend a reception at the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva, where she connected with Canada’s CEDAW Delegation and Peter MacDougall, the new Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN Office at Geneva.

Reflecting on her experience, Bunn shared, “It was inspiring to be among Indigenous leaders from around the globe, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a human rights advocate. I am so grateful to SCO and for the opportunity to be part of the IHRC, where I can combine my passion for advocating for my community and all Indigenous Peoples with the chance to build a solid foundation in human rights law through the seminar portion of the course.”

Through experiences like Bunn’s, the IHRC is building meaningful partnerships with community organizations and showcasing its commitment to providing law students with the education and hands-on experience essential for a future in human rights law and advocacy.

“Dr. Shariff brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of academic and professional accomplishments to this role. Her extensive expertise, leadership and vision will enhance its academic excellence and foster a dynamic learning environment,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “Her work ethic, deep compassion for the rights of all living beings, and curiosity for researching different areas of human rights-related laws make her a matchless force to drive this program forward for its next exciting chapter.”

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to take on the role of Director of the MHR Program,” said Shariff. “As Director, my goal is to build on the strengths of the program and our University community to provide students with educational opportunities and experiences that will inspire and support their creativity and enthusiasm for human rights and social justice.

“My aspiration is that our MHR students and graduates will take their passion, knowledge and skills to serve and make our communities places for all to thrive. By continuing outreach and building relationships with community partners and stakeholders (e.g. the Canadian Museum for Human Rights) and other University of Manitoba centres and programs (e.g. the Centre for Human Rights Research, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Peace and Conflict Studies and the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice), the MHR program itself will actively participate in this same vision, increasing MHR student opportunities at the same time.”

Shariff recalled the words of the late Dr. Arthur V. Mauro when he announced the endowment of the Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, a key part of the MHR program: “This city [Winnipeg], to me, represents the best that people can do when good people come together with goodwill and seek solutions… Education and research are fundamental if we are to carry on what this city has become.”

Shariff has been a valued member of the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba since 2007, where she currently serves as a Professor and has previously held several leadership positions, including Associate Dean (Academic, JD Program) and Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).

With a PhD and LLM from Trinity College Dublin, an LLB from the University of Manitoba, and a BSc from the University of Winnipeg, Shariff’s educational background is impressive. Her teaching areas encompass a wide range of subjects, including Contracts, Issues in Law and Bioethics, Law and Religion, Animals and the Law, Natural Resources Administration and the Law, and Graduate Legal Research and Theory.

Her research interests are equally diverse and impactful, focusing on Law and Aging, Death, Dying and Palliative Care, Human Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities, Quality of Life and Rights of Residents in personal care home communities, Natural Resources and Animal Law, Legal Strategies, Legal Pedagogy, and the Law of Contract.

Shariff has authored numerous publications with notable works including chapters in Canadian Medical Law, and articles in various prestigious journals. Shariff has also received several accolades for her contributions to teaching and research in the field of law, including a 2023 SSHRC Insight Development Grant (co-applicant), the 2018 Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Research Award, and the 2016 Students’ Teacher Recognition Award (STRR), and the 2013 University of Manitoba Merit Award, Combination Category (Teaching, Service and Research).

Her commitment to the academic community extends beyond her research and teaching. She is involved in the Canadian Association of Law Teachers, serves as a Commissioner at the Manitoba Law Reform Commission, serves as a Research Affiliate at the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging (also serving as Chair of its Advisory Board), and has served as a Research Associate at the Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law.

Twelve students presented their work in four different panels organized in topics including Gender and Human Rights, Indigenous and Minority Rights, New Horizons in Human Rights, and Migration, Displacement and Human Rights.

“The Symposium is a great chance for students to share and receive feedback on their research,” said Dr. Kjell Anderson, Director of the MHR program. “It’s also a way for our program to connect with the broader Winnipeg human rights community, who are crucial partners in our community of human rights research and practice.”

Evandro Andrade did his practicum with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) and worked with his advisor, Faculty of Law Professor, Dr. Amar Khoday to develop his major research paper, “The Impact of Sanctuary City Policies on Healthcare Access for Immigrants in Winnipeg.” Formerly an Intelligence Analyst at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency and an International Assistant Advisor at the Ministry of Mines and Energy in Brazil, Andrade explored Canada’s decentralized health rights system in his paper. He also reviewed Winnipeg’s Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Policy, contrasting different Sanctuary City Policy (SCP) implementations globally. His aim was to bridge the gap between International Human Rights Law, International Refugee Law, and public policy, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that align with international commitments.

Erin Gobert, who currently works as a Research Coordinator at Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse (RESOLVE), is in the MHR program’s thesis stream and is completing her thesis on “Human Rights and Reproductive Health Care in Rural, Remote, and Northern Manitoba.” With guidance from her advisor Dr. Linda Larcombe of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, she is studying whether there are human rights violations regarding reproductive health care in rural, remote, and northern (RRN) Manitoba.

Nabil Iqbal, who practiced law in India with a specialization in Human Rights, already has experience contributing to constitutional and human rights cases. He interned at the National Human Rights Commission and in the MHR program, is working with supervisor Dr. Nathan Derejko, Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, on a thesis regarding “Refining Legal Frameworks for Cross-border Climate-Induced Displacement: A Comprehensive Analysis of Provisions, Definitions, and New Arrangements under International Law.” Iqbal’s work aims to offer a comprehensive overview of existing legal protections, propose a refined and universally applicable term, namely, “climate refugee,” and present innovative legal arrangements. His overall goal is to contribute to the discourse on cross-border climate-induced displacement of persons in international law.

Yuri Suzuki completed her practicum at the Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties (MARL) and presented her major research paper, “Toward Equality: Exploring the Dowa Education’s Role in Overcoming Buraku Discrimination in Japan.” Suzuki has a background in working in the field of children’s rights and her advisor is Dr. Adam Muller, Department of English, Faculty of Arts. Suzuki’s paper’s concern is discrimination in Japan against the Burakumin people, who are racially and ethnically Japanese but have historically been considered “unclean.”  To address this systematic discrimination, Dowa education was implemented in Japan in 1969, involving initiatives that required schools to teach children about the Buraku problem, fostering understanding and promoting equality.

Students invited family and friends to attend as well as practicum mentors and thesis advisors. About 18 individuals also attended the event online including professors, advisors, mentors, alumni, and practicum placement staff who were unable to attend in-person. Attendees who joined in-person included University of Manitoba professors from the Faculties of Social Work, Law, Arts (the Department of History), and Medicine, as well as representatives from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Human Rights Hub, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and members of the public. 

Students in the practicum stream undertake work placements with leading local and international human rights organizations to gain practical, hands-on experience doing human rights work. Recent graduates are sometimes offered paid employment with their practicum organization following the completion of their hours. Students in the thesis stream work with an advisory committee whose members are experts in their corresponding thesis topic and help guide the student through the intensive research required to complete their research.

Topics ranged from access to healthcare policies for immigrants to climate-change refugees to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into Human Rights Policy. Women’s rights and Medical Assistance in Dying were also significant topics covered.

Practicum placements and topics presented were grouped in themes as follows:

Gender and Human Rights

Erin Gobert

Thesis title: “Human Rights and Reproductive Health Care in Rural, Remote, and Northern Manitoba”

Chloe Vickar

Practicum site: PERIOD

Paper title: “It’s a Privilege to Bleed: A Human Rights Analysis of Menstrual Equity at Canadian Universities”

Bryn Pfeifer

Practicum site: RESOLVE

Paper title: “Intimate Partner Violence and Migration Through the Lense of International Human Rights Law: A Policy Review of Canada and the United Kingdom.”

Indigenous and Minority Rights

Ken Mangako

Practicum Site: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Paper title: “On Canada’s Commitment to UNDRIP: An Assessment of Canada’s UNDRIP Act and Judicial Measures on the Recognition and Reconciliation of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Ana Martin

Practicum Site: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Paper title: “Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into Human Rights Policy: A Framework for Better Equity and Rights Protection.”

Michelle (Yuri) Suzuki

Practicum Site: Manitoba Association of Rights and Liberties (MARL)

Paper title: “Toward Equality: Exploring the Dowa Education’s Role in Overcoming Buraku Discrimination in Japan”

New Horizons in Human Rights

Trixie Maybituin

Thesis title: “Applying the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights’ Article 2(1) Obligations to Winnipeg’s Municipal Budget”

Fatemeh Shabani

Thesis title: “A Perspective-Based Approach to Human Rights”

Marisa Ranieri

Practicum site: Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba; Department of Justice Studies, University of Regina

Paper title: “Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) While Incarcerated vs Compassionate Release: A Comprehensive Analysis+ of “Dying with Dignity” within the Canadian Carceral System”

Migration, Displacement and Human Rights

Evandro Andrade

Practicum site: Immigration Partnership Winnipeg

Paper title: “The Impact of Sanctuary City Policies on Healthcare Access for Immigrants in Winnipeg”

Lily (Faezeh) Barzegari

Practicum site: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Paper title: “Advocating for Labour Mobility and Permanent Residency for Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers from an International Human Rights Law Perspective”

Nabil Iqbal

Thesis title: “Refining Legal Frameworks for Cross-border Climate-Induced Displacement: A comprehensive Analysis of Provisions, Definitions, and New Arrangements under International Law.”

Iqbal is a 2023-24 recipient of a Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics (CPAE) Graduate Fellowship. The centre offers annual fellowships to both academics, faculty and instructors, and graduate students at UM. CPAE’s mandate is to promote interdisciplinary research on applied ethics in all areas of practical and professional life. The fellowships are open to individuals from all fields and all faculties, and this year’s application deadline is February 28, 2024.

Nabil Iqbal

The fellowships aim to support researchers in the field of ethics and to encourage those in other fields to consider the ethical implications of their work, to integrate ethics into their research and to promote understanding of ethics as it relates to their areas of study.

Iqbal’s present research is his third exploration into the theme of climate refugees. Previously, he has looked at the lack of legal protections under human rights law for climate refugees in Kiribati, an island country in Micronesia that may potentially be the first country to be swallowed into the ocean as a result of rising sea levels due to climate change.  

Iqbal sees a gap in fairness and protection for people displaced by climate change. “Normally, refugees escaping persecution get protection under international law,” explained Iqbal. “Surprisingly, climate refugees don’t have that safety net, and they end up being sent back or put in detention camps, facing more problems and rights violations.”

The ethical piece of his research is “pushing for fair treatment and legal protection for these vulnerable individuals” by looking at “why the current international refugee and human rights laws aren’t protecting this group and what changes are needed to the laws so climate refugees can be protected.”

The $3,000 graduate student fellowship allows Iqbal to focus on his work without financial worries. But, just as importantly, he notes that it is the support from the researchers, fellow students and professional connections in the CPAE network that serve as a “crucial catalyst for my academic journey and career development.”

Iqbal hopes that his research will raise awareness of the challenges climate refugees face, as well as ultimately contribute to making the rules fairer and more protective for those displaced by climate change. “I hope my research can help others by showing them how they can be legally protected,” he shared. “For example, someone in Kiribati might learn from my work how to successfully move to a new country for safety and support.” Iqbal also hopes his research can influence future policy, strengthening refugee and human rights law to better address the specific challenges faced by the growing number of climate refugees across the globe.

Applications to the CPAE Ethics Graduate Fellowships and Research Fellowships for faculty are due February 28, 2024.

The main goals of MHR program administrators is that the Tour sparks dialogue, promotes reflection, and educates participants about the dynamic nature of human rights. The Tour emphasizes how historical events have shaped Winnipeg’s present human rights climate and projects their significance into Canada’s future, intertwining past events with current activism and future aspirations for justice and inclusion.

“The Winnipeg Human Rights Tour is one of the land-based learning activities of the Master of Human Rights program at the University of Manitoba, and provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore some of the rich history and current struggles of human rights in Winnipeg,” said Dr. Nathan Derejko, who holds the Mauro Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice.

A map of Human Rights-related landmarks was created especially for the Master of Human Rights program’s tour.

This year, program administrators commissioned an intricately designed map, enriched with additional stops of interest. More than just a tool for navigation, this map narrates Winnipeg’s ever-evolving journey in human rights. With concise descriptions of significant landmarks, participants are not only informed about historical events but are also introduced to ongoing human rights initiatives and potential future developments. The map fosters a deeper connection between the participants, the city’s history, its contemporary human rights scenario, and future aspirations.

Winnipeg’s human rights history is a combination of struggles and heartening victories. While it is essential to acquaint university students with the past, it is equally important to connect these historical accounts with contemporary issues and future human rights prospects. This tour serves as a bridge, fostering awareness and inspiration, and reminding participants of sacrifices, achievements, and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society.

Pia, an International Student from Chile, said, “I really liked the tour because it provided insight into the city’s history, which is very important as a newcomer, and also, I enjoyed the participatory approach between the guide and the participants.”

This year’s tour took place on Saturday, September 17 and was open to all Master of Human Rights program students and alumni. While primarily designed for university students to promote academic discussion and ideas, plans are in the works to expand the tour to a broader audience. The tour is focused on downtown Winnipeg and the Forks, and takes about two to three hours to walk. This year, Javier Torres, Master of Human Rights Professional Development Coordinator led the tour.

Priscila, an International Student from Brazil, described an encounter the group had with a passerby who was also an activist, taking part that day in a protest to search the Brady Landfill. “As an international student, this tour allowed me to connect with the city and with local events related to human rights,” she said. “The highest point was talking to a representative of a local protest who claimed the search for missing Indigenous women in the region. It was an important experience to feel the city and its culture.”

A local activist stopped to speak with MHR students regarding the ongoing landfill search protest. Photo by Dr. Kjell Anderson.

Augustine Caesar, another participating student, said, “The Winnipeg Human Rights Tour has helped me to learn what happened in the past and to realize the importance of keeping track records of whatever happened. As a Human Right Student and activist, it has helped me to appreciate and recognize the past happenings, and definitely it will help me to shape the present now, the future and to hold duty bearers accountable for their actions.”

The Human Rights Tour of Winnipeg offers a rich tapestry of stories, struggles, and triumphs that can inspire a new generation to continue the work of their predecessors, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future.