Sima Samar

Presented by the Chan Centre in partnership with UBC Continuing Studies, CBC Radio One and the Laurier Institution

*Please note: the evening will include an opening performance by Tandava.

The inaugural UBC – Laurier Institution Human Rights Lecture will feature a talk by Dr. Sima Samar addressing the question “How can the west support human rights in other parts of the world?”

Born in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Dr. Samar obtained a degree in medicine from Kabul University in 1982. After working as a doctor at a refugee hospital in Pakistan, she became distressed by the total lack of health care facilities for Afghan refugee women and went on to establish the Shuhada Organization and Clinic in 1989 – the largest NGO in Afghanistan to be run by women. The Shuhada Organization addresses issues of health care for Afghan women and girls, training of medical staff and education.

In 2002 Dr. Samar was appointed as the inaugural chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). She has served as the vice chair of the Emergency Loya Jirga, deputy chair for the Minister of Women’s Affairs in the post-Taliban Interim Administration and was the United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan. Dr. Samar has participated in many international forums on human rights, democracy and transitional justice, has survived death threats, openly opposes religious extremism and continues the fight for human rights daily.

The Chan Centre is proud to present the UBC – Laurier Institution Human Rights Lecture, a newly launched signature event hosted by The Laurier Institution in partnership with the UBC Continuing Studies and CBC Radio One. The goal of the Lecture is to annually present leading thinkers and visionaries in the field of human rights.

Tandava is inspired by the folk and classical music of India and draws upon the wealth of various traditions. Their unique blend of instruments, musical sensibilities, and ethnic traditions results in an original voice, created from and reflecting our rich intercultural environment.

For more information visit their website at www.tandava.com