A/HRC/11/17* recommended that Canada: (a) reconsider its withdrawal from the preparatory process of the Durban Review Conference and positively contribute to the global efforts to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; (b) ratify the ICRMW and the OP-ICESCR; (c) ensure the full implementation of legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and all discriminatory practices in the labour market and that further measures be taken to reduce unemployment among minority groups; (d) strengthen or adopt, as necessary, specific programmes to ensure appropriate representation of minority communities at all levels of government, and adopt broad and effective national measures to end discriminatory approaches to law enforcement and provide victims with effective recourse and remedies; and (e) launch a comprehensive review leading to legal and policy reforms which protect the rights of refugees and migrants, including rights to family reunification and enact legislation creating an offence for racial violence, and design and implement training for judges and prosecutors on the nature of hate crimes on the basis of race. 65. Argentina noted Canada’s multicultural nature and the long tradition of democracy and human rights. It asked about concrete measures to improve indigenous rights, particularly their land claims. Argentina recommended that Canada consider the possibility of signing and ratifying CED and accepting the competence of its Committee. Argentina inquired about the rights of migrants in irregular conditions, access to health services and education; and on the procedure and treatment of asylum/refugee seekers in an illegal situation. 66. China noted that Canada provides medical services; primary and secondary education free of charge; promotes social welfare programmes, and has achieved progress in the rights of women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It noted efforts to protect Aboriginal rights, migrant rights, and combating racism. It noted inequalities between Aboriginals and other Canadians persist and sought clarification on specific measures to improve the situation. It recommended Canada ratify the ICRPD as soon as possible. 67. Japan commended Canada’s leading role in human rights, appreciating efforts to ensure women’s rights. It noted incidents of violence against women, including domestic violence. It asked about preventive measures against and aid for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace; and about measures to address problems of poverty and access to education among Afro-Canadians. 68. Portugal recognized Canada’s accomplishments in economic, social and cultural rights, but noted concerns on poverty and homelessness. Portugal asked about the internal coordination system to ensure the full implementation at all levels of ICESCR. Portugal recommended to the Government (a) to create or reinforce a transparent, effective and accountable system that includes all levels of the government and representative of the civil society, including indigenous people, to monitor and publicly and regularly report on the implementation of Canada’s human rights obligations; (b) to ensure any complaint of violations of international human rights obligations can be examined in Canadian courts and effective adequate remedies will be provided to victims; (c) to analyze treaty body recommendations in consultation with representatives of the civil society, including indigenous people, and to implement them or publicly report on the reasons why it considers no implementation is more appropriate; and (d) that a similar system be created for the analysis and implementation of the recommendations resulting from the UPR exercise. 69. Bosnia and Herzegovina noted Canada’s active role in the Council’s work, and its support to OHCHR and humanitarian funds. It asked about ratification of OP-CAT, ICRMW and UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education, and about follow-up on urgent appeals by CERD, CESCR, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights GE.09-15299 13

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents