Canada: A Leader in Human Rights?

Canada's International Participation in Question

With election day soon approaching, Canadians are questioning the actions and promises of their leaders. 

Federal leaders are under high scrutiny as people across the country decide who they want to put into power. An issue concerning many canadians today is Canada's role in international human rights issues.   Many canadians are criticizing Canada's global actions.  Can Canada be called an international leader for human rights?

Amnesty International, an independent organization that fights for human rights around the world, has been closely watching Canada's global involvement, and has come to the conclusion that Canada is showing a negative example in international participation.  However, Amnesty International requires that we solve issues that happen within our own country first.  Many of us do not realize the problems and inequality that fellow Canadians.  Amnesty International released a report on April 11th, 2011 that describes specifically what leaders must do in order for Canada to regain its status as international leader in human rights.  This report, titled "Getting Back on the Rights Track"   is pushing upcoming leaders to change their political actions.  It is mandatory that the winning party adheres to the report.  

The report states:

"Globally, Canada’s standing as a reliable human rights champion has dropped precipitously."

The report calls upon many international and local issues that need addressing.  

Local Issues include:

• Business and Human Rights
• Indigenous Rights
• The Rights of Refugees and Migrants
• Protecting Canadians abroad
• Women's Human Rights
• Dissent and Advocacy

The International Issues addressed are:

• Maternal Health Rights
• Economic, social and Cultrural Rights
• Rights in the Middle East
• Continued Leadership in the abolishment of the death penalty
• International Obligations
• Universal Human Rights

The report addresses the Indigenous People issue in Canada.  “It is Canada’s most serious and longstanding human rights failing that needs to be fixed.”  - Beatrice Vaugrante, Director General of the francophone branch of Amnesty International Canada.   The treatment of Indigenous People in Canada is a concern, while many Indigenous people do not have access to clean water and/or other necessities.  Many are experiencing violence and discrimination, especially women and girls.  Indigenous People have expressed what they want to see done by the government.   Federal Parties are urged to close equality gaps between Indigenous People and the rest of Canada's population.  This is a description of just one of the many issues addressed in the report.  


Canada is a peaceful country and should maintain its good reputation as leader by helping those who have inequal rights in our own country, and keeping an international voice.  The Human Rights issue is very much a global issue, and Canada's actions and decisions can greatly affect the rest of the world.  I think that it is very important that our elected federal government adheres to this report in order to create a peaceful global community.  This report is an informational and helpful read for Canadians who wish to make an educated vote. I believe that voters concerned about Canada's involvement in international Human Rights Issues should read the report: Getting Back on the Rights Track thoroughly and question the actions of their party leaders before making a decision.