The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards, whose leadership and commitment have made outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in Ontario.
The awards are named in honour of Dr. Daniel G. Hill, the OHRC's first Director and first Black Chairperson.
The recipients will be honoured at the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards Ceremony on October 29, 2026.
2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award Recipients
Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (Young Leader) | |
 | Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani is a disability rights advocate and policy advisor whose work focuses on accessibility, human rights and education. Drawing on her lived experience and professional expertise, she works to advance the rights of people with disabilities and address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion. Through her advocacy and policy development work, Rana has helped shape initiatives and policies that strengthen accessibility, challenge ableism and foster inclusion in education and public policy. Central to her work is ensuring that the voices and expertise of people with lived experience are reflected in the decisions, policies and programs that affect their lives. |
Tonny Muzira (Distinguished Service) | |
 | Tonny Muzira is an organizational policy and development specialist and co-founder of the Centre for Black Development Options Canada. His work advances human rights at the intersection of housing, health equity, gender justice and community empowerment, with a focus on Black immigrant and refugee communities. Tonny played a key role in advocacy efforts during Toronto's refugee housing crisis and has continued to advance housing and health equity for Black immigrant and refugee communities. He is also recognized for creating opportunities for community engagement and empowerment. |
Dr. Carl E. James (Lifetime Achievement) | |
 | Dr. Carl E. James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University, where he is a Distinguished Research Professor and one of Canada's leading scholars on race, education and social equity. For decades, his research, teaching and community engagement have advanced understanding of the experiences of Black and other racialized communities. His scholarship has informed public policy, shaped discussions on race and education, and contributed to efforts to address systemic racism and expand equitable opportunities. |
Read more: News release - OHRC announces recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards