Toronto - As the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) marks its 65th anniversary, it is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards, recognizing three leaders whose work is advancing human rights in Ontario.
The recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards are:
Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (Young Leader)
Tonny Muzira (Distinguished Service)
Dr. Carl E. James (Lifetime Achievement)
Established in 2022 to honour the legacy of Dr. Daniel G. Hill, the OHRC's first Director and first Black chairperson, the awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing, promoting and fostering a culture of human rights across Ontario.
"As we celebrate the OHRC's 65th anniversary, it is especially meaningful to recognize individuals whose work continues to advance human rights in Ontario," said Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire. "Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani, Tonny Muzira and Dr. Carl E. James have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing dignity, equity and inclusion. Their contributions reflect the values championed by Dr. Daniel G. Hill and continue to inspire positive change across our province."
"As Ontario marks the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 65th anniversary, we celebrate individuals whose leadership and service have helped advance human rights, inclusion and belonging in communities across our province”, said Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The recipients of the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards exemplify a commitment to dignity, equity and respect that strengthens Ontario and inspires future generations."
The honourees will join a host of distinguished guests, including community members, stakeholders, and government officials, for an evening of celebration on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The OHRC congratulates candidates across all categories for their work in support of human rights. The OHRC received dozens of nominations recognizing individuals making meaningful contributions in communities across the province.
Further details on the 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award Recipients:
Young Leader: Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani
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.
Distinguished Service: Tonny Muzira
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.
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Carl E. James
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.
Dr. James is an erudite advocate and community builder whom everyone holds in awe. 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.
The Selection Committee
The OHRC thanks this year's Selection Committee, comprised of distinguished individuals chosen for their expertise in and breadth of understanding of human rights:
Patricia DeGuire (Selection Committee Chair), Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (non-voting member)
Brian Eyolfson, Commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Michelle Gittens, Assistant Deputy Minister, Citizenship, Inclusion and Heritage Division, Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
Niki Hashie, Senior Director, Programs and Policy, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden, 2024 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award recipient (Young Leader) and Youth & Access to Education Coordinator, FCJ Refugee Centre
Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
Dr. Camille Logan, Educator and System Leader, Senior Lecturer and Faculty Advisor
Gabriel Reznick, Staff Lawyer, ARCH Disability Law Centre
Media contact: OHRC Media Relations
Email: Media@ohrc.on.ca
For 65 years the OHRC has been promoting that it is public policy to recognize the dignity and worth of every person and provide equal rights and opportunities without discrimination.