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Why
hold an International Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
The International Conference on
LGBT Human Rights will provide a common ground and
a meeting point for those who are involved or interested
in advancing LGBT issues all around the world.
This conference is a prime occasion
to share wisdom, thoughts and experiences in order
to achieve the goal of unifying human rights for all.
More than 2000 participants from more than 100 countries
will reunite for this special and unique occasion.
The international spectrum on LGBT Human
Rights is constantly evolving and changing. Things
‘are’ happening. Whereas Canada and Spain
have just legalized same-sex marriage, thus joining
the Netherlands and Belgium, other countries continue
to condemn and oppress theirLGBT community.
Homophobic acts are on an exponential
rise in the Ex-Soviet Union, and LGBT demonstrations
are being systematically prohibited for reasons which
call into question the existence gays, lesbians, bisexual
and transgendered peoples and their basic rights.
As the recent blows in Iran and Uganda can attest
to the fact, the discrimination based on the sexual
orientation is predominantly violent, and serves no
purpose on the global scale.
It is crucial at this point in time
more than ever to denounce these homophobic acts based
on the incomprehension and the rejection of the other.
That makes all the more necessary the various initiatives
present throughout the world in order to promote LGBT
Human Rights, like the International Day of the Fight
against Homophobia. The International Conference on
LGBT Human Rights aims to be a counterpart, a vessel,
to assert the importance and relevance of the respect
of differences. The result of the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights will be to support the uphill
battles being fought from every corner of the globe
to our very own backyards, and to establish bonafide
recognition of the basic rights of the LGBT community,
which still too often is marginalized.
Who is organising the International
Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
The 1st World Outgames
Montréal 2006 is the chief instigator of the
International Conference on LGBT Human Rights. The
Conference aims to act as an integral force in enabling
change and has made a point of setting up a internationally-renowned
Scientific Committee comprised of Robert Wintemute
(Professor at the law school at King's College of
London and a specialist in Human Rights and of Discrimination),
and Joke Swiebel (appointed to European Parliament
and former President of the Parliamentary Joint Committee
of the Rights of Gays and Lesbians).
In addition, the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights would like to thank the involvement
of several organizations related to the defense of
Human Rights. These organizations have supported the
project from day one, and thus added credibility to
the project. Click here
to consult the list of the partners of the Conference.
Who sits on the Scientific Committee?
The Scientific Committee is comprised of lawyers,
researchers, defenders of LGBT Human Rights, journalists
as well as representatives of trade-unions. A total
number of thirty-seven people comprise the bulk of
the committee, who volunteer their time and energy
to sit on this prestigious council. Click
here.
What is the role of the Scientific
Committee?
The Scientific Committee aims to moderate the overall
content of the International Conference on LGBT Human
Rights. During their annual meetings, the Scientific
Committee, through several orientation sessions, determined
the main purpose and underlying themes to be addressed
during the International Conference on LGBT Human
Rights. The Scientific Committee was also in charge
of evaluating proposals and ideas. (Click
here To view the members of the Scientific Committee.)
What
are the themes of the International Conference on
LGBT Human Rights?
The themes of the International
Conference on LGBT Human
Rights are:
• Essential Human Rights;
• Global awareness;
• The diversity of the LGBT Community;
• Society’s participation;
• Creating social change.
Each of these themes branch into other
various topics. To view a complete list of themes
covered at the
International Conference on LGBT Human Rights.
What
is the aim of the “Workers Out!” segment
of the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
“Workers Out! 2006: Make
a difference!” is coordinated by various organizations
such as the Confédération des syndicats
nationaux (CSN), thé Centrale des syndicats
du Québec (CSQ), thé Congrès
du travail du Canada (CTC/CLC) and the Fédération
des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec
(FTQ).
“Workers Out! 2006” aims
to develop a strategic plan to facilitate, in all
parts of the world, the rights of lesbians, gays,
bisexuals and transgender people in the workplace
and in the overall global society.
The proposed workshops are aimed at
developing a better comprehension of the questions
which arise everywhere in the world, an analysis of
the methods of mobilization used to advance the rights
of the LGBT community, an acknowledgement of international
structures, as well, a series of objectives and strategies
to advance work within the international movement,
in order to put an end to the discrimination based
on sexual orientation.
In accordance with the discussions
held in Amsterdam and Sydney, the organizing committee
of "Workers Out!" commits itself to elaborate
upon and launch a plan of action to ameliorate discussions
and open dialogue, with the final adoption taking
place at the time of
the Conference.
What
is the aim of the “Out for Business” segment
of the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
One of the key partners of the
1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006, the Chambre de
commerce gaie du Québec (Québec Gay
Chamber of Commerce or CCGQ) established a mandate
within the framework of the Conference to develop
an outlet specifically for chambers of commerce, professional
associations and businesspeople from the international
LGBT community.
Developing the international network
it has already established in Canada, the United States
and in Europe, the CCGQ formed a steering committee
comprised of representatives of eleven organisations
from six countries.
“Out for Business”
will definitely be a not-to-be-missed event as more
than 400 professionals and businesspeople will gather
to discuss important issues pertaining to the international
LGBT community.
What
is the aim of the “Out for Sport!” segment
of the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
Inaugurating the 1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006, the “Out
for Sport!” segment reveals a series of workshops
devoted to sport and its place within the framework
the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights.
The goal of the workshops is twofold:
• An introspective look
over the last 25 years, marking the involvement of
the LGBT community in competitive sports.
• Observing the overall sporting movement to
interpret what implications arise on social changes
and the prospects for change.
Where
will the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights
be held?
The Conference will take place
at the Palais des congrès de Montréal,
from 26 to 29 July 2006. This impressive venue, with
its accessibility and accommodating features, will
host the events of the conference right in the heart
of Montréal on the corner of St-Urbain and
Viger West.
The Palais des congrés de Montréal can
easily accommodate those with handicaps and disabilities.
How
many people will speak at the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights?
Nearly 800 people, coming from
more than 100 countries, will be on hand to share
their knowledge and their experiences at the Conference.
That represents almost half of the 2000 participants
expected to attend.
Is it
too late for to submit my application to attend the
workshops?
Yes, as the Official Programme
of the Conference is already in production.
What
is the standard format of a workshop?
In most cases, a workshop will consist of four speakers
having a average speaking time of approximately 15
minutes each. The co-ordinator of the session is responsible
for the general presentation and the direction of
the workshop. Participants are invited to attend a
question period of approximately 30 minutes. The total
duration of a workshop is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Why
is the title of my application different than the
one designated to the preliminary program of the Conference?
As a general rule, your application will be grouped
alongside other applications who fall under the same
category, This has done in order to maximize the number
of attendees for a given workshop.
What
material will be available during the International
Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
All the workshops will include
a visual screen projector and a portable computer
making it possible to display video or provide a presentation
using Power Point. The larger rooms will also have
a microphone for the speakers.
Is it
possible to provide documentation to the participants?
It is possible to distribute material
and/documentation to participants. However, this documentation
must be submitted to the speaker prior to the workshop/session.
There will be no photocopier in the room; therefore
you must make enough photocopies for all those in
the workshop.
How
can one change the title of the specific workshop?
Is it possible for a new speaker to speak at my workshop?
Can I supply a more detailed description of my workshop?
In order to make any modifications
to your workshop, please contact Louis-Philippe
Lizotte and indicate your
desired changes.
What
are the official languages of the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights? Will there be translation services
on site?
The official languages of the Conference
are English and French. The majority of the workshops
will be given in both official languages. It should
be noted that certain workshops will also be provided
in Spanish and Portuguese as well.
The plenary sessions will be offered
in English, French and Spanish with the participants
benefiting from simultaneous translation. An unspecified
number of workshops will also profit from a translation
into French or English.
Will
there be security available on site?
No.. The demand does not reflect
a need in this regard to have security on hand. The
Conference team wishes to apologize for any inconvenience
caused by this decision.
Is the
Outreach bursary program in effect?
The Outreach bursary program is
now closed. We are no longer accepting any candidates
to profit from this program. More than 285 candidates
have been selected and we would like to thank the
support of the Hivos Foundation and GlaxoSmithKline.
Are
there other bursary programs that participants or
speakers can benefit from in order to defray the costs
of attending the Conference?
Please consult our sponsorship
guide for further information.
You can also consult other
websites of organizations dealing in Human Rights,
since some of them offer bursary programs.
What
are the conditions relative to my entry in Canada?
What is the protocol I must adhere to obtain a Canadian
visa?
All foreign visitors must hold
a valid passport to enter to Canada. According to
their nationality, certain visitors will also need
a visa to enter into Canada.
We advise all those interested in obtaining
information for entry into Canada to visit the
website for Citizenship & Immigration .
Canada does not require anyone to declare their HIV
status or for Hepatitis C for a visit with a duration
of less than six months.
If you are hold a criminal record, it is in your best
interest to consult, as soon as possible, the Canadian
Embassy, the Canadian Consulate or an immigration
lawyer in order to determine your eligibility of entry
into Canada.
If you have any particular questions,
you can contact an immigration lawyer or the ambassador
of the Canadian Consulate nearest to you.
Will
the organizing team of the Conference send me an official
letter of invitation?
The 1st
World Outgames Montréal
2006 will send invitation letters to all the participants
who submit a request in order to facilitate obtaining
visas. This process will be carried out only after
reception of the total payment of the registration
fees to the Conference or after reception of the files
of the stock-brokers chosen by the Selection committee
of the Outreach bursary. However, the 1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006 committee cannot
be held responsible for the refusal of a visa by the
Canadian authorities.
Where
can I find accommodations during the International
Conference on LGBT Human Rights?
For the 1st
World Outgames Montréal
2006 and Conference, 10 000 rooms have been set aside
to accommodate participants and visitors. We expect
16 000 participants and 250 000 visitors in Montréal
for these events. Reserve early! Reservations are
accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Montréal
offers a wide range of rooms, to satisfy your tastes,
needs and budget. Some exceptions do apply for hotels
who offer fixed prices for single, double, and triple
occupancy for one to four people per room.To apply
online click
here.
Are
there any special rates for flights?
If you would like more information
or require assistance in booking your flight to Montreal,
you can also consult with our Official
Travel Partners
How
can I register for the International Conference on
LGBT
Human Rights?
To register, all you have
to do is:
1. Go to the section «My
Registration » click on Create a new profile
and complete the profile questionnaire : Create your
profile.
2. Choose the event ‘Conference’ and fill
out the application under Conference
3. To pay for all registration fees, go to the My
finances page and choose your method of payment.
If you are part of a team or group,
consult your team leader prior to making any payment
.
What is the
cost of registering for the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights?
Registration fees are $525.00 CAD as
of 1 May 2006, which include:
• Your presence at the Conference
(5 panel sessions, 5 workshops, 2 evening sessions);
• Official Opening Luncheon;
• Breakfasts, coffee breaks;
• Closing Breakfast;
• Entrance to the Opening and Closing ceremonies
for the 1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006;
• Registration kit which includes maps of the
city, souvenirs and brochures;
• Official programme to the International Conference
on LGBT Human Rights;
• $100.00 CAD rebate for registration fees for
sporting activities and cultural events;
• 20% rebate on the Souvenir book for the 1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006;
• A metro/bus pass.
If you are affiliated with a group, or with one of
our partners (see list here), you will also benefit
from a $50.00 rebate on registration fees. You must
contact your group to receive a member code in order
to activate this discount.
What
are the methods of payment?
By credit card:
We accept Visa and Mastercard. Registration
fees will be charged in Canadian funds.
Your credit card company will convert
the amount of your transaction to your currency when
they process the charge.
All sales are final once the transactions
have been processed and the complete payment has been
received.
By personal, certified cheque or money
order :
Canadian and U.S. residents can choose
to pay by personal cheque, certified cheque or money
order. All cheques must be drawn from a Canadian or
American bank in Canadian funds (CAD). Returned cheques
due to insufficient funds are subjected to an additional
fee of $35.00 (CAD) per cheque.
All cheques must be made out to : Comité
organisateur des Jeux Montréal 2006
And can be sent to :
1st
World Outgames Montréal 2006
4141, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin
Montréal (Québec) H1V 3N7
Canada
All sales are final and your registration
will be completed once your cheque has been processed.
For residents outside of Canada
and the United States, a money order, or funds transfer
will be accepted only in Canadian funds (CAD). Please
indicate your registration number, your first and
last name along with your payment.
If you would like to use an alternative payment method,
please contact Natacha
Veilleux .
The standard policy regarding reimbursement
for the 1st World Outgames
Montréal 2006 is such: No refunds are applicable
for cancellations received after 31 December 2005.
What
and how much should I budget for during my visit?
Transportation :
A metro/bus pass is included in
your registration kits. However, you can expect a
$25.00 fee for the shuttle from the airport to your
accommodations, more for a taxi.
For more information please click
here .
.
.
Accommodations :
There are various levels of accommodations
for all price ranges. Please click
here .
Food:
Various meals are already included
in your registration kit (Opening Lunch, coffee breaks,
Closing Breakfast etc) Allot $5.00-$15.00 CAD per
person for breakfast, $10.00-$50.00 CAD for lunch
or supper (depending on the restaurant, and there
many to suit all tastes)
Hitting the town:
Montréal boasts a vibrant
nightlife with an incredible choice of clubs and lounges
to suit all styles and tastes. While some clubs carry
a cover charge, usually ranging from $5.00-$20.00,
most places are free to get in. However, and as always,
clients are required to consume food and/or beverages
once they have entered the establishment.
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