About us

The Centre for Human Rights Research (CHRR) was established in 2012 to bring together people and organizations – both within and outside the University of Manitoba – to enhance interdisciplinary and collaborative research capacity, create richer training opportunities for students, and facilitate the fusion of research-driven knowledge, public policy and intellectual debate on issues related to human rights and social justice. The centre aims to facilitate research that is both academically rigorous and accessible to the public.

The inter-faculty initiative is supported by the deans of Arts, Law, Social Work and Education, but we work with researchers from many other faculties as well.

Human rights research and teaching was identified by the University of Manitoba as one of its strategic priorities, at a time when Winnipeg was preparing for the opening of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

CHRR Organization Chart

Vision

The CHRR uses an intersectional lens to research and advocate for human rights and Indigenous sovereignty and resurgence. We work with researchers and communities inside and outside of the University of Manitoba to develop and foster a wide variety of research that is informed by social justice.

2023-2028

CHRR Strategic Plan

Guiding Principles

Ensure that research and programs reflect an understanding of intersectionality.

Continue and expand work on Indigenous rights.

Consider local and international human rights issues.

Ensure that research and programs take a critical perspective that does not reproduce the liberal rights order, reinforce social privileges, or use human rights as an unproblematized universal term.

Prioritize accessibility of programs and research outputs.

Support research that contributes to social change.

Speak against misogyny, racism, and ableism and advocate for inclusion.

Keep CHRR processes simple and accessible.

Funding provided in part by

Manitoba Government

In 2023, the Centre for Human Rights Research was the recipient of a Manitoba Accessibility Fund grant. This grant has contributed to the re-development of the CHRR’s website, to remove barriers to human rights-based information and communications for the general public, policy makers, as well as for UM students, staff, and faculty. In particular, funding from the Manitoba Accessibility Fund was earmarked towards creating a virtual home for the many resources created by the CHRR and its affiliates.

Find more information on the Manitoba Accessibility Office here.

  • “Mending” at the Corner of Main Street and Sutherland in Winnipeg. Artists: Clandestinos (Shalak Attack & Bruno Smoky, 2017)
    “Mending” at the Corner of Main Street and Sutherland in Winnipeg. Artists: Clandestinos (Shalak Attack & Bruno Smoky, 2017)
  • Assiniboine Forest, Image: Helen Fallding
    Assiniboine Forest, Image: Helen Fallding
  • Wet’suwet’en solidarity protest in Downtown Winnipeg. Image: Carlie Kane, 2019
    Wet’suwet’en solidarity protest in Downtown Winnipeg. Image: Carlie Kane, 2019
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

2012

Establishment of the CHRR.

Proposal coordinated by CHRR is submitted to the Truth and Reconciliation commission of Canada to establish what will become the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Critical Conversations Series begins, exploring the Idea of a Human Rights Museum, and First Nations and the Right to Water.

2013

University of Manitoba selected as the site for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

CHRR’s research project on the human right to drinking water and sanitation receives funding from TriCouncil Agencies to establish several projects including the CREATE H20 Research Project, led by Dr. Annemieke Farenhorst.

First Anishinaabe nibi inaakonigewin (water law) multi- day outdoor gathering was led by Aimée Craft, with funding and organizational assistance from CHRR.

Critical Conversations Series on Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

Special Issue of Canadian Journal of Woman and the Law by Prof. Karen Busby on feminist approaches to assisted human reproduction.

2014

Indigenous lawyer Aimee Craft

Critical Conversations Series on Truth and Reconciliation. First Nation Water Rights Research Conference.

2015

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba officially opens.

CHRR publishes The Idea of a Human Rights Museum. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba officially opens.

2016

Prof. Busby introduces new project in collaboration with the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) and professors from Nursing and Law, focusing on the responsibility of health and social service professionals to report adolescent sexual abuse.

2017

Critical Conversations Series on the Right to Water and Sanitation in First Nations communities.

Research collaboration with Prof. Brenda Gunn, Métis lawyer Celeste McKay, and former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Wilton Littlechild on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

2018

University of Manitoba Board of Governors approves proposal coordinated by CHRR to establish Canada’s first Master of Human Rights degree program.

Critical Conversations Series on Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

Last of the annual H20 Water Research conferences.

2019

Critical Conversations Series on Sexual and Reproductive Rights.

2020

Dr. Busby co-authored Achieving Fairness: A Guide to Campus Sexual Violence Complaints.

Monthly virtual seminars on COVID and Caring; Commemoration; Indigenous Self-Determination; Manitoba at 151; and the new UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants.

Founding Director Karen Busby steps down from her role and historian Dr. Adele Perry takes over as the new Director of CHRR.

2021

Helen Fallding, the founding manager, steps down from her role. Dr. Pauline Tennent takes over as the new Manager.

Dr. Perry receives funding for: At the Forks: Conversation about the Intersection of Indigenous and Human Rights; and Missing the Bus: Synthesizing Knowledge about Indigenous Women, Two-Spirited People and Public Transit in Western Canada.

Methods and Mediums of Human Rights Research workshop series begins.

Canadian government agrees to an $8 billion dollar settlement for a First Nations drinking water lawsuit, in part based on CHRR research results.

2022

Achieving Fairness report cover

CHRR’s new research theme Borders and Human Rights announced.

Critical Conversations Seminar Series on Historic Wrongs and Human Rights.

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Whether you are passionate about interdisciplinary human rights research, social justice programming, or student training and mentorship, the University of Manitoba offers opportunities to support the opportunities most important to you. 

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