FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 29, 2024
(GREATER SUDBURY, ON) – A renowned academic and human rights expert from Burkina Faso, Dr. Awalou Ouedraogo, has been named to a new international centre of excellence, involving participation from countries from around the globe.
The Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health, which held its inaugural meeting on June 26, 2024, will be housed at Huntington University in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Comprised of expert researchers and academics in the fields of international human rights and/or global health from such countries as Canada, Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, France, Nigeria, Peru, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates, this new institute will work together on key areas and issues impacting communities and countries on a global scale.
“On behalf of the Huntington University Board of Regents, I am happy to announce the launch of the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health and the appointment of Dr. Kevin McCormick as Founding President,” said Ms. Mary-Liz Warwick, Chair, Huntington University Board of Regents. “Over the years, Huntington has built successful institutes and centres of excellence which have cemented robust relationships and partnerships with colleagues in Canada and around the globe. These international ventures have provided us with a strong foundation upon which to grow and prosper as we look to the future. This launch marks a new and exciting chapter in the legacy of Huntington University, as we explore a key area of growth as identified by the Board of Regents.”
The Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health is being launched with a complement of 12 international Fellows, who have committed to an international conference and speaker series for 2024, as well as a book project in 2025. The Fellows will form the membership of the institute, with additional Fellows being named in the coming months.
Among the institute Fellows is Dr. Awalou Ouedraogo, an Associate Professor of International Law and Chair of the Department of Human Rights and Equity Studies, at York University in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Ouedraogo was born in Burkina Faso and is an acclaimed expert on human rights and international law theory. Dr. Ouedraogo has also been selected for a prestigious academic research role with the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health.
“It is a privilege to be offered this prestigious opportunity to work in collaboration with Huntington University and expand on my international work while collaborating with esteemed colleagues from around the globe who are involved in the fields of human rights and/or global health,” said Dr. Awalou Ouedraogo, Distinguished Research Chair, Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health and Chair of the Department of Human Rights and Equity Studies, at York University. “As a Distinguished Research Chair and human rights expert who is actively involved with the United Nations and numerous intercontinental scholarly associations, I am eager to develop my expertise further through cooperation with eminent scholars and researchers now involved as Fellows of the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health. This is an exciting venture that will support and advance global initiatives in support of international human rights and global health, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Distinguished Research Chairs are being named to the role for three-year terms and may receive a stipend to support their research and scholarly activities. At present, we are proud to announce the following:
The Dr. Edward J. Conroy Distinguished Research Chair in Human Rights Law, Culture and Inequality
Dr. Livio Visano | Canada
The Huntington Distinguished Research Chair in International Human Rights
Dr. Awalou Ouedraogo | Canada and Burkina Faso
The Huntington Distinguished Research Chair in Education and Human Rights
Dr. Liliana Mayo | Peru
Although in its infancy, the CIHRGH is already generating a high level of interest amidst higher education and research circles in various countries. Dr. Kevin McCormick, who has led the university for 18 years and also serves as Founding President of the Peruvian Canadian Institute, will also lead the newly established Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health.
“I am honoured to be named Founding President of the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health, as it dovetails nicely with many of the initiatives that I’ve supported and/or founded, personally or professionally, over the span of my life and career,” said Dr. McCormick. “I’m equally proud to see that this institute, although in its infancy, is already generating a high level of interest amidst higher education and research circles in various countries. This is a testament of the need for more focus in these areas of research and academia. By teaming up with partners who have become proud Fellows of our institute, and who are also affiliated with international organizations such as the United Nations, post-secondary institutions, and more, we tap into a vast pool of knowledge and expertise. As a collective group working in partnership with a common goal, we will add to the international collaboration that is already underway; complementing the work of organizations, in Canada and beyond, that are focused on similar values, objectives and outcomes.”
“Dr. Kevin McCormick has a proven track record when it comes to creating and fostering innovative opportunities for international collaboration,” explained Dr. Livy Visano, Huntington University Regent, Distinguished Research Chair of the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health, and award-winning, full professor, Human Rights and Equity Studies Program at York University. “Despite the institute just getting started, our Founding President has already pulled together a group of impressive candidates. These individuals have proudly accepted an invitation to become a Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health and are international experts in these areas of study, working within academic institutions and organizations from around the globe. Dr. McCormick’s vision, expertise, and decades of extensive international experience, are key elements to the success of the institute and Huntington University as we move forward with our goal of becoming a more internationally-focused institution.”