Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights


The University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights is envisioned as one of the preeminent annual events held at the University. Individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the field of human rights and human rights protection are invited to deliver a major public lecture in Edmonton. During their visit, they also participate in other significant events at the U of A, the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta.

The first Lectureship, held in the fall of 1998, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights proclamation.

The University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights aims to:

  • Offer the people of the Province of Alberta a significant and educational way of annually celebrating the commitments we undertook as signatories of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.
  • Support and nurture Albertans' continuing interest and illustrious involvement with human rights at home and abroad.
  • Demonstrate the University of Alberta's commitment to helping students and Albertans understand complex human rights issues. This is especially important as the University and its graduates pursue economic, social and political alliances with peoples around the world. In creating these linkages, it is important that we are aware of and sensitive to situations involving the exploitation of others.
  • Serve as an annual reminder to the people of Alberta of the need to protect human rights within our own province.
  • Continue the University of Alberta's tradition of providing a safe environment to discuss controversial and difficult subjects and by doing so, provide students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to learn, question and participate in events shaping the world in which we live.

The University of Alberta invites you to nominate individuals or organizations who would make outstanding lecturers.

We gratefully acknowledge the hard work of the donors and volunteers who help make the Lectureship a success.

VLHR Archive

The VLHR has a two-decade history at the U of A. Explore past speakers and see how the lectureship has evolved.

View the Archive Make a Nomination Learn about the donors

Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights Internship Award

U of A students interested in work experience in human rights issues can spend up to six months interning with a Canadian or international human rights organization or at another organization that pursues human rights initiatives.

Learn More

The VHLR award allowed me to go abroad to Berlin, Germany, for a three-month internship with an organization called Global Innovation Gathering (GIG), which supports locally driven, cutting-edge solutions to tackle complex developmental challenges and champion social justice. A passion of mine is empowering people, meaning giving them the resources and strength to achieve their dreams and make things possible. The VHLR award allowed me to transform my aspirations into tangible actions; I can confidently say that my internship has been a transformative experience.

– Ann, Undergraduate Student - Faculty of Arts, Political Science