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Third Age Barrie presenting series on human rights abuses

Series begins Oct. 4 with presentation from member of Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague
2021-12-16 Grace United Church RB 1
Grace United Church, located at Grove and Cooke streets in Barrie, is shown in a file photo.

NEWS RELEASE
THIRD AGE BARRIE LIFE LONG LEARNING ASSOCIATION
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Third Age Barrie Life Long Learning Association is shining a light on some of the world’s worst human rights abuses while emphasizing the resilience of humanity in confronting them.

In Search of a Better World runs on four Tuesdays in October starting Oct. 4.

Four remarkable, internationally known speakers will present:

Oct. 4: “In Search of a Better World,” professor Payam Akhavan, prominent international human rights lawyer and a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague

Oct. 11: “The Canary in the Coal Mine — Why the Rights of Women and Girls in Afghanistan Should Matter to us All,” Dr. Lauryn Oates, executive director of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan

Oct. 18: “I Shall not Hate — One Man’s Journey Towards Justice,” Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Palestinian doctor who wrote I Shall not Hate after the loss of his three daughters and niece in an Israeli air strike

Oct. 25: “Will the Truth (Debwewin) Set us Free?” Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Indigenous chair for Truth and Reconciliation, Lakehead University

Gerry Caplan — political activist, author, expert on the Rwandan genocide and a member of the Third Age board — has helped to put the series together. “In Search of a Better World,” says Caplan, “is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about four perspectives on human rights abuse from some internationally acclaimed advocates. But along with some dark stories, we’ll learn how individuals, organizations and institutions are mounting a resilient struggle against the forces that seek to oppress.”

The series costs $40 and will be both in person at Grace United Church in Barrie and livestreamed on Zoom. To learn more go to www.thirdagebarrie.ca.

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