December 12, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

As the world marks Human Rights Day this week, Canada reiterates the importance of the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and their critical work. Canada is also committed to defending media freedom and its vital role as a pillar of society.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced $1.85 million in funding for two projects that support child human rights defenders and a free and independent media worldwide.

Canada is contributing $850,000 to a three-year project led by Child Rights Connect to empower, to protect and promote the rights of child human rights defenders, who are increasingly engaged in global human rights challenges, without the same legal protections as adults. This funding will help Child Rights Connect promote safe and sustainable human rights advocacy by child human rights defenders in Togo, Thailand, Moldova and Brazil.

Canada will also contribute an additional $1 million to the Global Media Defence Fund, bringing Canada’s total contribution to the fund to $4 million. Administered by UNESCO, the Global Media Defence Fund works to enhance the protection of journalists and media organizations so they can carry out their critical work without fear of violence, censorship or intimidation. The fund will also ensure public access to diverse and reliable sources of news and information.