Speaking Rights is a program that encourages the active participation of young people through recreational activities. It is the result of an extensive evaluation carried out in 2008 on the needs of young people and professionals involved in the program “On ne joue pas avec les droits” (Play it fair). This program was developed in the commune of Montreal in conjunction with representatives of various neighbourhoods of the city. Thanks to the financial support of the commune of Montreal, the Ministry of Immigration, the Telus Foundation, the Winnipeg Foundation and the Vancouver Foundation, Speaking Rights emerged from the need to combat discrimination in Canada and around the world.

The NGO Equitas works closely with non-formal educational bodies and relies on a network of social organizations around the world, created by the International Centre for Human Rights Education. The purpose of Speaking Rights is to encourage young people between the ages of 13 and 18 to examine various social problems linked to discrimination and to propose measures to reverse it. It is based on a series of articulating principles that have to do with active youth engagement and reflective discussion. It seeks to develop both personal skills (self-confidence, social awareness, among others) and interpersonal skills (teamwork, conflict resolution, etc.) as well as cognitive skills (critical thinking, creative thinking, etc.). The topics are addressed in recreational activities led by a moderator trained by the NGO.

A manual was launched in 2010, the content of which is adapted to the ages of the participants. A range of more than 50 games and activities make up the Speaking Rights program. Each one lasts between 25 and 45 minutes and is linked to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.