Ben Peterson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of jhr (Journalists for Human Rights), a non-governmental organization that strives to make every person on earth fully aware of their rights through mobilizing the media to spread rights awareness. Since its founding in 2002, Journalists has become Canada’s largest media development organization, sparking dialogue on the role of Human Rights and Social Justice globally.

Internationally, jhr has harnessed the power of the media in 15 different countries and reached over 20 million people a week with stories that enriched communities and inspired change. Across North America, jhr has established a presence in universities and high schools, empowering students to spread rights awareness in their communities.

Previous to jhr, Ben worked in Ghana's Ministry of Justice, leading Ghana's efforts to write reports to the United Nations on various international human rights treaties. Ben has also worked for the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lloyd Axworthy, and in the offices of David Bonior, the former Democratic Whip in the United States House of Representatives.

Ben has a BA in Economics and a BAH in Political Studies from Queen's University, and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics (LSE). Ben has received many national and international awards for his work, including the Action Canada Fellowship, Canada’s Top 40 under 40 Award, and the Queen's University Alumni Humanitarian Award. Ben also sits on the Canadian Commission for UNESCO's youth advisory committee. A published author, Ben and the work of JHR have been featured in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and on CBC.

Click here to download Ben's bio.


jhr has a dynamic team of inspiring speakers with incredible stories of the work of jhr and how mobilizing the media can create a positive social change. Speakers include jhr head office staff, former jhr trainers, as well as jhr university ambassadors from across the country! To find out more, contact Aileen Doyle, Community Programs Coordinator, at aileen@jhr.ca or by phone at 416.413.0240 ext: 201.

Please note that jhr requests an honourarium and expense reimbursement for all speaking engagements. More details are available upon requesting more - information or by contacting Aileen Doyle, Community Programs Coordinator, at aileen@jhr.ca or by phone at 416.413.0240 ext: 201.

100% of the speaking honourarium goes directly to support the work of jhr domestically and internationally.

• Hand held microphone (preferably wireless) and stand
• LCD Projector and White Screen for projection suitable for size of room/audience
• Sound system to be hooked into laptop
• Table for laptop
• Water in pitcher with glass

Please inform upon booking if any of the aforementioned requirements cannot be met.

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Speaker Required	Ben Peterson      Domestic Programs Team

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