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History

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL) is a non-profit, non-government, human rights and civil liberties organization. Incorporated in 1978, MARL seeks to promote respect for and observance of fundamental human rights and civil liberties, and to defend, extend and foster the recognition of these rights and liberties in the Province of Manitoba.

MARL develops policy on the basis of democratic norms and consensus. The fundamental basis for its policies are enshrined within the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Constitution, the Manitoba Human Rights Act and other international covenants to which Canada is a signatory. Other provincial and federal edicts as well as MARL Board resolutions play appropriate roles in that regard. MARL’s function is separate from, yet complementary to, the services provided by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

OUR PROGRAMS

A. Monitoring and Response

  • Charter Rights & Legislative Review - MARL reviews provincial legislation and responds to issues that arise. As well, we monitor current issues related to human rights and civil liberties in Manitoba and create position statements on a wide range of issues.
  • Referral - MARL provides referral and/or information in response to inquiries from the public.
  • Media Watch - MARL monitors and responds to human rights issues which surface in the media. Responses may take the form of media releases, press conferences, letters to the editor and collaborations with other groups.

B. Public Education

  • Social Justice Clubs - MARL connects and works with schools to offer the expertise necessary to organize and run social justice clubs. A MARL facilitator works with students, staff and administrators to create a clubs in various schools and divisions in Manitoba. The facilitator offers workshops and engage schools in social justice issues, and projects.
  • Under 18 Handbook - 1A handbook created to educate youth about their rights and liberties. MARL continues to distribute this valuable resource at various community events.

OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND INITIATIVES

  • Collaboration - Each year MARL partners with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Human Rights Commission to present the Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba, and the Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award at a luncheon ceremony.
  • March 21st - MARL organize events each year raise awareness of March 21st; the day for the elimination of racial discrimination.
  • Canadian Multiculturalism Day - MARL showcases and promotes Manitoba’s rich cultural diversity through organizing a annual public celebration of this date.
  • Outreach - MARL’s outreach activities include supporting the work of other organizations through providing information or through direct participation; such as working with the committees of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, the United Against Racism Advisory Committee and consulting with others in the community as we develop our own work.

OUR PROJECTS

  • Human Rights Education Program - MARL has developed a program in human rights education which reaches a broad range of high school students. We are in the process of creating a teacher’s tool kit on teaching human rights in context; this will assist teachers to integrate human rights across the curriculum. As well, our youth engagement program is operating at full capacity; this program connects Manitoba High School students with community organizations to discover the importance of human rights and civil liberties and to create a project aimed at improving and promoting these rights and liberties in their communities.

OUR FUNDERS