TORONTO, October 25, 2006 - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) will celebrate its 10th Anniversary by honouring Madame Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this Thursday October 26, 2006. Reception will begin at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Madame Louise Arbour accepted an appointment as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in February of 2004. Previously, Madame Arbour was highly recognized for her work as a chief prosecutor for war crimes committed in Rwanda and Yugoslavia. Her work at the International Criminal Tribunals at The Hague was followed by her appointment as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Canada. Along with the gained respect of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Arbour has earned an international reputation for courage and determination from human rights groups worldwide.
"Madame Arbour is a Canadian who is in the forefront of the protection of human rights internationally," notes Andrée Ménard, Acting Chair of the CRRF. "Her life's work and the position she now holds, makes he an ideal symbol, if you will, of the best of Canada. We are proud that she's accepting our Award."
The CRRF Award for Lifetime Achievement was established to acknowledge and honour individuals who promote the principles outlined in the Canadian Human Rights Act and who have made a significant contribution towards positive race relations in Canada. Madame Arbour is the second recipient to receive this award after the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, founding Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation was created as a result of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement between the National Association of Japanese Canadians and the Government of Canada in 1988. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation was proclaimed by the government of Canada on October 28, 1996 to reaffirm the principles of justice and equality for all in Canada. The Foundation has registered charitable status and operates at arm's length from the federal government.