"In the twenty-first century, we cannot afford to tolerate a single failed state ruled by ruthless and self serving dictators ... Rwanda was a warning to us all of what lies in store if we continue to ignore human rights, human security and abject poverty."

L. Gen. Romeo Dallaire, Shake Hands With The Devil

Is it finally time for Canada to put human rights at the centre of its foreign policy? In the face of the Cambodian, Bosnian, Rwandan and Darfur genocides building respect for human rights is one of the most challenging tasks of Canadian foreign policy today. The Cambodian Genocide Group (CGG) has launched an essay competition to identify students who can provide innovative strategies and policies for creating a new Canadian human rights centred foreign policy.

Topic

"What changes, if any, should Canadian foreign policy adopt in order to address human rights violations around the world?"

Entry Requirements

Open to all students enrolled at the University of Toronto during 2005-2006 Academic Year.

Length

1500 words typewritten and double-spaced (including all titles and references).

Deadline

Essays must be submitted electronically no later than March 1, 2006 @ 11:59 PM (EST).

Award

The prize winner will be selected by a jury of University of Toronto Professors. A prize of $500.00 will be awarded for the best essay with the most innovative and workable strategies and policies. Additionally, the winner will be invited to present his/her ideas to Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Essay Guidelines

  • All entries will be judged on the merit of their innovative and workable policies.
  • The CGG’s interest is in ideas and concrete recommendations on how to put human rights at the centre of Canada’s foreign policy.
  • Focus on solutions rather than re-stating problems or criticizing current Canadian foreign policy.

How To Apply

Please submit all entries electronically to cambodian.genocide@utoronto.ca:

  1. Name
  2. Contact Information (Phone Number, Address, E-Mail)
  3. Student Number
  4. Year of Study
  5. Degree Program (BA, BSc, MA, MSc, JD, MBA)
  6. Program of Study (i.e: International Relations)
  7. Resume (as MS Word or PDF attachment
  8. Essay with word count (as MS Word or PDF attachment)

*Please note that essay submissions will not be returned. By submitting your essay, you will have authorized its publication in whole by the Cambodian Genocide Group. The student selected as winner of the CGG Essay Competition and consents to the use of his/her name and photograph in any manner in connection with publicity or promotion of the CGG Essay Competition, without remuneration or consideration. **The Award Committee reserves the right to not accord an award if there are no deserving candidates.


For Further Information Please Contact:

Kartick Kumar
Executive Director
E-Mail: kartick.kumar@utoronto.ca
Phone: (416) 834-5715

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