News | Inter Pares

Human Rights Defenders: Creating Safe Conditions for Their Work

In Colombia, and many parts of the world, women and men who defend human rights face incredible risks to their physical safety.

What is Courage?

The people with whom Inter Pares works demonstrate profound courage, in their patience, persistence,fearlessness and motivation.

Never has such a tribute been revoked

Aung San Suu Kyi has been silent in the face of genocide. Why revoking her Honorary Canadian Citizenship is right.

The cycle of violence in Burma

Canada must not look at the recent Rohingya crisis in isolation from Burma’s long-standing conflicts.

Inter Pares staff members Samantha McGavin and Rebecca Wolsak (at left and right) with CHRO's Sang Hnin Lian and KDNG's Steven Naw Awng (centre), speaking alongside Chris Lewa to MPs and Senators on Parliament Hill.

Broadening the conversation on Burma

In June 2018, Inter Pares organized a visit to Ottawa of colleagues in Kachin, Chin, and Arakan States, in order to bring their voices to policymakers and promote a comprehensive approach to Burma.

Burma’s Forgotten Wars

Samantha McGavin, Burma Program Manager, shines a light on the country beyond the Rohingya crisis through photos and reflections.

I Am Rohingya: A Genocide in Four Acts

This powerful documentary is about the journey of fourteen Rohingya refugee youth re-enacting their families' harrowing experiences in Burma and beyond.

In the Slums of Manila, Spreading Openness and Acceptance

Mark and Vere are Likhaan Community Mobilizers. They both identify as transgender and work in the slum neighbourhoods of metro Manila.

Building an Inclusive Peace in Colombia

Colombia's peace agreement is historic as it is the most inclusive developed to date. Inter Pares' counterparts were instrumental in shaping the agreement.

Mildrey Corrales (PCS), Mauricio Albarracín and Marcela Sánchez (both Colombia Diversa) with Bill Fairbairn.

Connecting Struggles

Bill Fairbairn, Latin America Program Manager at Inter Pares, draws a parallel between his social justice convictions as a gay man and Inter Pares' feminist priorities.

Samantha McGavin joins Amnesty’s Alex Neve and Kyle Matthews of the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies in pressing for stronger Canadian measures. Also on stage: MPs Cheryl Hardcastle (at left) and Rob Oliphant (at right).

Inter Pares speaks out on Rohingya crisis, calls for immediate strong measures

Inter Pares remains highly concerned by the ongoing Rohingya crisis in Burma and Bangladesh, and by the pressing need for stronger action.

Building Solidarity One Conversation at a Time

Raising awareness of other realities, learning from others’ experiences, deepening our solidarity ... this is what Inter Pares seeks to do through our public engagement.

Joint statement on violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar

On September 26th, Inter Pares joined 30+ Canadian organizations and human rights activists in calling for further Canadian action on the crisis.

Open letter on national security Bill C-59

40 organizations and individuals from across Canadian civil society issued a joint letter to government that lays out overarching concerns with Bill C-59.

Statement on Latest Violence against the Rohingya Population in Burma

Inter Pares is gravely concerned regarding the latest wave of military violence against Rohingya civilians in northwestern Burma.

A New Vision for Land in Burma

Land is central to many social justice struggles around the world, and it’s no different in Burma. However, ethnic civil society organizations have a new vision for land use.

Countering Dehumanization and Hate

Since October 2016, the Burmese army has unleashed a new wave of violence against Rohingya Muslim civilians in the northwest of the country.

Inter Pares concerned with Honduras report

Inter Pares and 23 Canadian civil society organizations concerned with the Honduras report of the Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor.

Members of CCMW pose with members of Peter Gillespie's family at the presentation of the 1st Peter Gillespie Social Justice Award. L-R: Farhat Rehman, Alia Hogben, Fauzya Talib, Lexxus Gillespie, Letso Gillespie, Lulama Tobo-Gillespie, Kagiso Gillespie.

Canadian Council of Muslim Women inaugural recipient of Peter Gillespie Social Justice Award

CCMW is recognized for their courageous work in advancing women’s rights.

2017 Peter Gillespie Award for Social Justice, awarded to the Canadian Council for Muslim Women

Canadian Council of Muslim Women to receive Peter Gillespie Social Justice Award

Inter Pares is honored to give the award to the Canadian Council of Muslim Women for their courageous work in advancing women’s rights.

promotional image for Seven: A documentary play

Inter Pares brings acclaimed documentary play to Ottawa

Inter Pares presents the play "Seven," which intertwines seven true stories told by women’s rights activists worldwide.

The Kuki Women’s Centre uses ground-breaking restorative justice techniques to address gender-based violence in their communities in Burma’s north west.

Taking a Feminist Approach

As a feminist organization with over forty years of experience, we have seen the transformative results of a feminist approach and we are keen to see it widely used.

The team and board members of Consejería Oxlajuj Ix CAMEX during the opening ceremony.

CAMEX: A new Latin American counterpart is born

CAMEX is building on the work of its predecessor, Project Counselling Service (PCS), which closed its doors in December 2016.

Join the campaign: Women Who Inspire

We have committed to raise $50,000 by December 31st to support the extraordinary work of women leaders around the world. Give today to stand with them and help them transform their societies.

Women's Equality

The Messy Process of Peace

Peace. The word creates serene images of healthy communities. When countries

A Model for Peace: Women building peace in Mali

With the support of ACORD, women and men gathered to learn and share ideas of how to transform national conflict into an authentic and sustainable peace.

Forced Sterilizations in Peru: Never again

Mamérita Mestanza hadn’t reached her 34th birthday when she died from complications resulting from tubal ligation surgery. Her story is far from unique.

Latin America

From the Land: 140 supporters reflect with us on reconciliation

On April 25th, 2016, 140 supporters and activists from Ottawa-Gatineau joined Inter Pares for the 2016 edition of its annual Speakers Series, "From the Land: Reconciliation in action in Canada and Colombia."

First-ever trial on sexual violence during armed conflict in Guatemala

14 Mayan Q'eqchí women demand justice for acts of sexual violence that they endured during the country's internal armed conflict.

Karen refugees from Burma play an active role in managing their own camps.

Picture a Refugee

Labels of "refugee" instead of "migrant" have power worldwide, including in Burma, where displaced people have many stories but with common threads.

Push for racial equality in Burma

Tin Soe is a Rohingya Muslim journalist from Burma. As part of our campaign, Tin Soe tells us why he is pushing for racial equality and emancipation of the Rohingya people of Burma.

Burma: Bringing Grassroots Experience to Canadian Policy

In March of 2015, Inter Pares hosted a delegation of four women from Burma to meet with people facing similar struggles, and to share camaraderie and strategies.

Featured Speakers at Inter Pares 40th anniversary

The Future of International Solidarity

Over forty years, we have witnessed incredible change in the countries where we work. While some rights have been gained, others become threatened.

We Can Do Better 2015 - campaign update

CCIC is calling for greater leadership from Canada in tackling global issues in 2015, and specific action on inequality, climate change and women's rights.

RCMP is laying charges against one of the Syrian torturers of Maher Arar

An arrest warrant and Interpol notice have been issued, in the hope of extraditing Col. Salloum to face justice.

A migrant workrer holding a sign that says: "I have worked 11 years in Canada. I don't feel good in my stomach. It is just unfair going home with no money"

In Solidarity with Temporary Migrant Workers

The vulnerable situation of migrant workers in Canada.

Community of Zona Verde in Guinea-Bissau

Happy Birthday Tiniguena!

Tiniguena, founded in 1991, is a courageous organization that over its history has managed to accomplish big things.

Promoting Canadians’ Civil Liberties

Learn how ICLMG, Inter Pares counterpart, promotes and defends civil liberties and human rights here in Canada.

Guinea-Bissau: Hope is in the Air

Early 2015, staff member Patricia Charest Mugwaneza visited Inter Pares’ counterpart Tiniguena. She shares her experience.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Inter Pares was a proud sponsor of the closing events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Aboriginal residential schools.

Participants at the event "The Future of International Solidarity"

The Future of International Solidarity: Over 100 participants!

On April 30th, over 100 activists from Ottawa-Gatineau and around the world joined Inter Pares for its 40th anniversary event.

Burmese women's rights activists Wahkushee Tenner, Htwe Htwe and Pippa Curwen in Ottawa

Burmese women's rights activists wary of Canadian mining investment

By Embassy Magazine's Kristen Shane.

We were Up for Debate 30 years ago. We still are now.

Caroline Andrew shares her personal memories as moderator of the 1984 women's issues debate.

Politics in Sudan need women’s voices

Inter Pares counterparts act with determination and courage in Sudan to press for change, for peace, and for democracy in the face of incredible odds.

Election year in Burma

Social justice activists in Burma are about to face a major dilemma. In late 2015, Burma will hold its first national elections since the "transition to democracy.”

A Maya Ixil woman testifies at a genocide trial in Guatemala City.

In Guatemala, Indigenous people seek justice after internal armed conflict

Guatemalan Mayan community seeks justice around two emblematic cases that took place during the country's internal armed conflict.

Karenni State: Villagers carry their petition for the closure of an army training centre built on stolen land.

Civilian voices in Burma’s ceasefire negotiations

Affected communities collaborate to pursue a peace based on civilian interests.

In Bangladesh: a memorial to murdered activist Korunamoyee.

The politics of food production

Imported Bangladesh shrimp or Canadian-grown vegetables picked by migrant labour: it matters how food is produced.

Arakan Oil Watch Director, Jockai Khaing, being interviewed by journalists including our media partners.

Crony capitalism: How ‘development’ led to armed conflict in Kachin State

Uncontrolled resource development during a 17-year ceasefire impoverished Kachin State & reignited war in 2011.

Why is Burma’s “Ethnic Issue” Important?

Multi-ethnic coalitions collaborate to build a diverse and peaceful Burma.