A/HRC/11/17*
50.
Bolivia noted that the indigenous population in Canada live in conditions of
inequality, and poverty and are more likely to commit suicide. Despite a number of
programmes, the problem persisted. It recommended that Canada (a) request from OHCHR
the necessary support for the process of ratification of a greater number of international
human rights instruments; (b) implement in national norms the commitments made when
ratifying the ICESCR and the CERD through the implementation of the recommendations
which have come out of their respective Committees; (c) take the provisions of the
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into account in national legislation,
because the Declaration is a United Nations document and represents guidelines for the
conduct of States; (d) implement in national legislation the prohibition and criminalization
of all types of violence against women and children, specially indigenous women and
children, in accordance with the commitments acquired in the corresponding Conventions;
(e) ratify and implement in national norms ILO Convention 169.
51.
Burkina Faso expressed interest in the effectiveness of group rights, particularly of
women and those who were originally immigrants. It was interested in collaborating and
sharing experiences with Canada on institutional and legislative strategies to achieve gender
equality, in conformity with international conventions.
52.
Ukraine noted the promotion of gender equality, broad-based policies tackling
cultural and linguistic barriers of immigrants and refugees, and efforts to eliminate
discrimination and racism. It asked about mechanisms ensuring the implementation of
treaties and treaty-body recommendations. Welcoming Government efforts to ensure
economic security and well-being, it asked about their impact in ensuring equal
opportunities and on elimination of poverty.
53.
Jordan expressed appreciation for Canada’s active participation in the Council and
its contributions to OHCHR, hoping this would continue. It was encouraged that Canada
was keen to develop a legislative and institutional framework, including early establishment
of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. It asked about the Action Plan against
Racism. It recommended that Canada consider (a) ratifying the ICRPD, and (b)
implementing, as appropriate, the recommendations of human rights treaty bodies on
indigenous peoples.
54.
The Islamic Republic of Iran noted that the OHCHR reports made reference to the
growing discriminatory treatment against indigenous people, aboriginal women, migrants,
Muslims, Arabs and Afro-Canadians, and CERD, HRC and CEDAW concerns about
serious acts of violence against Aboriginal women. It noted that Canada places several
barriers to refugee and migrant family reunification. It recommended that Canada: (a)
address root causes of discrimination, (b) ensure effective access to justice, and (c) establish
immediate means of redress and protection of rights of ethno-minorities, in particular,
Aboriginals. It noted that Canada was the only country to vote against the Council’s
resolution on Gaza. It recommended that Canada (d) respect its human rights obligations
and commitment without exception or ulterior consideration and take steps to address
double standard and politicization in its human rights policies.
55.
Belgium commended Canada’s commitment to the rights of indigenous people and
gender equality, but cited CERD, HR Committee, CEDAW and NGO concerns about
violence and discrimination against indigenous and ethnic minority women. Belgium
recommended (a) systematic investigation and collection of data on violence against
women and dissemination of this information; (b) taking measures to combat socioeconomic discrimination, which is a cause of continuous violence against Aborigine
women and to inform them better of their rights.
56.
Canada said it was committed to taking decisive steps to eliminate racism and
address discrimination, which is fundamentally repugnant to Canadian values. It cited
GE.09-15299
11
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