Canada's Universal Periodic Review

Canada's review before the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group session took place on February 3, 2009. A total of 45 states intervened during the three-hour interactive dialogue. These states made recommendations to Canada on a wide range of topics.

The Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Canada includes a list of the 68 recommendations Canada received from other States. The Working Group report is also available in Braille upon request.

The Response of Canada to the Recommendations has been submitted to the United Nations in advance of Canada's appearance on June 9, 2009, before the Human Rights Council. Canada's response was prepared in close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments in accordance with UN guidelines (limit of 2,675 words). The response was informed by the views expressed by civil society and Aboriginal organizations throughout the UPR process. The final outcome on Canada's review will be adopted by the Human Rights Council at its June 2009 session. Canada will report on implementation of the accepted recommendations at its next review in 2013.

At the one-hour discussion on Canada's review, Canada will have 20 minutes to address the Council. NGOs will also be allotted 20 minutes to comment on the outcomes of the review, leaving 20 minutes for comments from other States.

Follow-Up to Canada's Appearance

Canada's response to the recommendations is but one step in the UPR process. The Government of Canada continues to welcome your comments on the recommendations made during the review.
In reviewing the recommendations, you may wish to consider the following questions:

1. Which issues/recommendations/themes do you see as being key/a priority? Why?  What should the first steps be?
2. Do you have practical suggestions on how Canada could implement the accepted recommendations in the short term/in the longer term?
3. With respect to the issue of effective implementation of international human rights treaties, do you have suggestions for processes to enhance government engagement with civil society/Aboriginal groups on the implementation of international human rights obligations in Canada?  How would these processes complement existing processes used by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to engage stakeholders on specific issues related to human rights?

The comments you provide, together with the views expressed during the engagement sessions held in January and April 2009, will continue to inform the implementation of the recommendations that Canada has accepted.

Comments on the recommendations and inquiries regarding Canada's review under the UPR should be directed to the Department of Canadian Heritage, Human Rights Program. A dedicated email address has been established for feedback and questions at
epu-upr@pch.gc.ca.  We thank you for your interest in the UPR and for your comments on the recommendations.

Canada's Report

The National Report of Canada under the Universal Periodic Review, submitted in December 2008, contains information on the promotion and protection of human rights in Canada, including achievements, best practices, and challenges. In addition, the report includes initiatives to address challenges and improve the human rights situation on the ground.

The report was prepared in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial government officials.

Canada's report is also available in Braille upon request.

Background information on the Universal Periodic Review is available on this website as well as on the United Nations website (available in English only).

 

Note:

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