The award recognizes the contribution of a SSHRC-funded partnership that, through mutual co-operation and shared intellectual leadership and resources, demonstrates impact and influence within or beyond the social sciences and humanities research community. The award is one of five Impact Awards which recognize the achievements of Canada’s top researchers in social sciences and humanities.
Led by Professor Fannie Lafontaine (Université Laval), the Canadian Partnership for International Justice (CPIJ) is a pan-Canadian collaboration of 25 researchers from 8 universities, 4 university-based legal clinics and 3 non-governmental organizations, which aimed to strengthen access to justice for victims of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. CPIJ’s activities emphasized the urgency of addressing violent crisis to prevent atrocities, punish perpetrators, reconcile victims and perpetrators, and identify the root causes of these crisis to achieve a stable peace.
The HRREC was pleased to contribute to the work of the CJPI since its inception and developed significant activities through its Human Rights Clinic. In particular, the work of three projects benefited from support from the partnership: Business and Human Rights in Latin America; Canadian Partnership for International Justice; and Independence of Judges and Lawyers. These projects were under the supervision of Professors Penelope Simons, João Velloso and John Packer (HRREC Director), and they were coordinated by Salvador Herencia, Aboubacar Dakuyo and Jordi Feo, all members of the Centre.