The United Nations (UN) is fundamental to the foundation of human rights. The United Nations is where the legal obligations of governments are set, and where human rights are discussed and advocated. Canada participates in the Universal Periodic Review which is one process and important function of the UN related to human rights, focused on assessing the human rights records …

January 2018 Human Rights Internet (HRI) is proud to showcase the Canadian Yearbook of Human Rights (CYHR) – co-published by HRI and the University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre. The CYHR is a new bilingual, annual publication, of reference work on the interaction of human rights and Canada. The first edition covers key human rights developments in …

In continuing our Blog Series on human rights institutions, we are focusing this edition on Child and Youth Advocates. These are independent officers of provincial and territorial legislatures that focus on protecting and promoting the rights and dignity of children. While at the Federal level there is no national commissioner or advocate office, the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates is …

We want to hear from you! HRI is seeking feedback on our website and database. HRI strives to provide free online human rights resources and information relevant to Canada, and beyond. Since the launch of our new website, and the International Human Rights and Canada Database (IHRCanadaDb), we have seen tremendous interest our resources. To keep this momentum going, we want to ensure our resources …

September 2017 Today is the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). To commemorate this moment, HRI has produced a brief overview of some key milestones in the development of the UN Declaration and the initial steps towards implementation in Canada. These moments in the history of the UN Declaration are not …

Post submitted by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Piero Narducci, Director General, Human Rights Promotion Branch  July 2017 2017 marks the anniversaries of Canada’s foundational human rights legislation, with the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the 40th anniversary for the Canadian Human Rights Act. On September 27th & 28th, the Canadian Human Rights Commission …

June 2017 Human rights commissions and tribunals play a vital role in ensuring human rights protections are protected and promoted. This past month, legislation was passed at the Federal level and in Yukon that provides legal protection against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. These changes reflect similar protections already in place in other jurisdictions across …

May 2017 Education is a powerful and important tool for promoting tolerance and strengthening respect for human rights and diversity, through understanding and awareness (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR). Education is a right but also an integral part of ensuring the protection and respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those set out in the Charter of …

April 2017 This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For the occasion, we have put together a brief overview of this foundational piece in the Canadian human rights landscape, and its place among other human rights laws. While the existence of the Charter and federal, provincial and territorial human rights laws may appear …

Canada has a robust framework of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Across the country institutions are mandated to ensure these laws are respected, protected and promoted. This is the first in a series of blog posts showcasing the unique work and contribution that these institutions make to Canadian human rights. Earlier this year HRI launched the Canadian Human Rights Institutions Interactive Map …