International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

March 15, 2022 Rida Shah

On the 24th of March, the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims is an annual observance that raises meaningful tributes and honour to victims who face these violations. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 24th of March as the official day for the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and the Dignity of Victims in December 2010.

International Day of the Girl: Because I am a Girl

October 12, 2021 Miwako Chang

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish with attendees of the 7th Annual DFL Gala Dinner, on October 18, 2019. Photo credit: BK On The Scene

The International Day of the Girl; also known as the International Day of Girls or the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year on October 11. This special day began as part of a campaign, titled “Because I am a Girl”. It was aimed at promoting the rights of young girls in developing countries. It was eventually brought to the attention of the Canadian federal government by Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Rona Ambrose.

Downsview Advocate: Matias de Dovitiis for Humber River-Black Creek

September 20, 2021 Editor

In the upcoming federal election, the Downsview Advocate is proud to support local NDP candidate Matias de Dovitiis.

A longtime resident of the Downsview Community, Matias has worked, lived and volunteered to better the community for years.

Meet Your Federal Election 2021 Candidates For The Humber River- Black Creek Riding

September 17, 2021 Kuwarjeet Singh Arora

Election Day is on Monday, September 20, 2021. Don't forget to vote for the candidate of your choice! Please check out the positions from the four parties highlighted.

Take Back the Night: Fight Against Sexual Violence and Violence

September 16, 2021 Zaara Mazzuca

Take Back The Night march in Toronto, 1985. Photo credit: Toronto Public Library

It is no surprise that mental health is becoming a growing concern within our society today - whether that be because of the rise of more people struggling to maintain their mental health or simply the stigmatic barriers around this once taboo topic breaking down. Additionally, it is no hidden truth that with COVID-19, lockdowns, the unknown future and social cut-offs, the mental health of individuals from all communities is more at peril than ever before.

York University Climate Solutions Parks are Putting Students at the Forefront of the Environmental Movement

June 29, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Students and faculty pose during a solar panel installation February 29th, 2020. Photo credit: Codrina Ibanescu

As part of a series of climate-friendly initiatives, York University’s faculty of Environmental and Urban Change has been working on a number of innovative Climate Solutions Parks, both on campus and throughout the wider world.

“I cannot forget.” A Ugandan-Canadian Refugee’s Reflections on their Experiences in Canada

June 21, 2021 Issra Ali

Samuel Kisitu sits on a subway car in Toronto. Photo credit: Matthew Best

In light of World Refugee Day on June 20th, which is recognized by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Downsview Advocate interviewed local Downsview resident Samuel Kisitu, who fled political persecution in Uganda, asking him to reflect on his experience as a refugee in Canada.

Reconciling with Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day as a Descendent of Genocide Survivors

May 18, 2021 Vennila Mathialagan

Tamil students protesting in support of the victims of the Tamil Genocide. Photo credit: British Tamil Forums

When I was eight, I remember being angry that my parents cancelled my birthday party because of ethno-political conflict back in Sri Lanka. Several years later, I learned that the “conflict” my parents cancelled my birthday over, was a massacre of 40,000 innocent tamil civilians by Sri Lankan military forces