The activities of the Francophonie Committee are designed as moments of experiential learning and collective reflection.
Institutional visits, high-level dialogues, academic exchanges, and meetings with institutional and community stakeholders make it possible to observe human rights in action and to engage in critical reflection on the conditions under which they are interpreted and implemented within the Francophone space.
Our events
A Visit at the Supreme Court of Canada
Société de l'Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick v. The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada, et al.
With the Francophonie Committee, the Observatory’s Leaders, and members of the team, we had the opportunity to attend the hearings in Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick v. Prime Minister of Canada, tour the Supreme Court, and engage in a personal exchange with the Honourable Justice Jamal.
This case challenges whether New Brunswick's Lieutenant Governor must be bilingual under Charter sections 16(2), 16.1, and 20(2), which affirm official bilingualism and equality of linguistic communities in Canada's only constitutionally bilingual province. New Brunswick's substantial Francophone and Acadian population relies on these protections to ensure equal access to government institutions, including the head of provincial state.
This dispute directly impacts Francophonie by testing the scope of minority language rights in a key Canadian context. New Brunswick's Francophones, part of the broader Francophonie diaspora in North America, argued that a unilingual anglophone appointee undermines equality, as the Lieutenant Governor's ceremonial and communicative roles require personal bilingualism to avoid forcing French speakers into English or interpreters. A Supreme Court ruling—argued November 2025—could set precedents strengthening institutional bilingualism, benefiting Francophone minorities province-wide and signaling Canada's commitment to linguistic duality.
Echoes of a Diplomatic Journey
Serving Canada, Francophonie, and Human Rights
On Tuesday, December 16, the Francophonie Committee of the Observatory had the honour of welcoming His Excellency Mr. Ferry de Kerckhove, former Personal Representative of the Prime Minister of Canada for the Francophonie. A seasoned diplomat, he served as Canada’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste (2001–2003), as well as to Egypt (2008–2011), and as High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1998–2001). Throughout his career, he represented Canada at the highest level in complex and challenging contexts across the Middle East and Asia. He generously shared his vision of human rights with our committee, enriching our work within the global Francophone space 🌎
Women’s Rights in the Francophone Space
On Thursday, January 22, the Francophonie Committee has the great pleasure of welcoming Michèle Vianès, a Lyon-based feminist activist 🇫🇷 and a leading figure in the defense of women’srights within the Francophone space and beyond 🌍
Co-founder and President of Regards de Femmes, which she has successfully elevated to national and international prominence, Michèle Vianès has, for over 25 years, worked tirelessly to dismantle gender stereotypes, promote political and professional parity, and combat all forms of violence against women. Her unwavering commitment to the universality of human rights and to gender equality was recently recognized through her appointment to the High Council for Gender Equality in 2025.
Deeply engaged both in the field and within Francophone institutions, she actively contributes to strengthening women’s rights and their empowerment on a global scale 🗺️. This inspiring encounter will undoubtedly enrich our reflections and actions within the Francophonie world.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our moderator Benjamin Boutin, Honorary President of Francophonie sans frontières and President of our Committee, for his exemplary leadership and dedication. We also wish to thank our Collaborator Lydie Christelle Belporo, for her role as commentator and for her valuable research contributions to the work of the OIF.
