Wednesday, August 20, 2014
On August 17, 2014, at the New Arising facilities, directed by Pastor Ivan Melendez, was celebrated the 10th anniversary of the One Free World International (OFWI), led by Reverend Majed Al Shafie. OFWI focuses on the rights of religious minorities in countries in turmoil. Among those in attendance at this event included Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander, MP Mark Adler, Canada’s Minister of State for Multiculturalism Tim Uppal, and other members of the Federal Parliament. Also in attendance were delegations from Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, as well as leaders and representatives of human rights organizations
A private meeting was held between the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander and leaders of the Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO) Jonathan Whiteside, Mario Guilombo, Liliana Angarita, Lilian Julieth Guilombo, Clement Osawe, David Hernandez, Rada Gavina, Rebecca Zarfati, Eduardo Harari, as well as representatives of Collective Human Rights Defenders ‘Laura Acosta” International Organization (COHURIDELA) Juan Carlos Castillo, Yorman Urdaneta, Dalton Sanchez, Alvaro Barragan, Fabo Castelblanco, Gladys Osawe and Daniela Castelblanco.
Representatives of CHRIO and COHURIDELA exposed serious human rights violations and unsafe conditions facing countries such as Iraq, Pakistan, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, among others. In addition, they talked about the important role played by human rights organizations in the international context and the good image these organizations are projecting overseas representing the values of the Canadian society.