Mobilizing Civil Society for Human Rights
As part of the legacy of our work to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we continue to create spaces that mobilize civil society organizations across Canada. Our mission is to strengthen our collective ability to support the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments in meeting their international human rights obligations. These obligations stem from international treaties (Conventions) and commitments made to the United Nations Human Rights Council in the Universal Periodic Review process.
In December 2023, we hosted the Ignite Change Global Convention, one of the largest gatherings commemorating the 75th anniversary. Over 10 days, we brought together more than 50 organizations from across Canada, collaborating to educate and inspire action on pressing human rights issues such as gender-based violence, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, poverty, racism, and ableism.
The Convention also served as a platform for deepening nationwide partnerships and launching critical dialogues on the needs of civil society in Canada. Together, we explored how we can collaborate effectively to support government efforts while advancing human rights recommendations from UN treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review.
Why Are We Doing This Work?
This project stems from the need to create meaningful opportunities for people with lived experiences and those working at the grassroots level to inform decision-makers about the actions necessary to address pressing human rights issues. For several reasons, including the lack of time and support to nurture and build collaborations and sustain partnerships, civil society often operates in silos. Through this collective effort, we aim to break down barriers and build intersectional relationships that strengthen our capacity to address these challenges.
The long-term impact of this project includes strengthening civil society, leveraging and connecting the human rights work in Canada, increasing awareness, and fostering innovation and engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our efforts focus on two primary objectives:
Strengthen Collaborative Relationships: Strengthen a network of partners across the country committed to advancing the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review.
Align with Federal Government Priorities: Collaborate with departments such as Canadian Heritage to streamline communication and engagement, ensuring that lived experiences inform government actions, particularly in implementing recommendations from the UPR.
Who Are We Working With?
Our work is made possible through collaboration with key organizations, including:
Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies
Righting Relations Canada
National Association of Japanese Canadians
Amnesty International Canada
Coalition for Justice and Human Rights
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
SHE Associates
Equitas
National Right to Housing Network
Rock Soup Food Bank and Greenhouse
What Do We Want to See?
On December 10, 2023, in recognition of International Human Rights Day, we developed a blueprint for collaborative action. This blueprint lays the foundation for ongoing dialogue between civil society and the Government of Canada to advance human rights. In 2024, we are reviewing this blueprint and designing strategies to continue working towards achieving them and bringing more organizations to the core of this group. Here’s what we’re calling for:
1. Establishment of a Federal Human Rights Office
An office dedicated to monitoring, reporting, and engaging civil society in the Universal Periodic Review process and other treaty bodies’ recommendations.
2. Meaningful Consultation with Diverse Communities
A commitment from the government to engage communities with lived experiences, ensuring their voices are heard in the policy-making process.
3. Long-Term Resourcing for Civil Society
Support civil society organizations with sustainable funding, enabling them to act as educators, facilitators, and advocates for human rights.
4. Equitable and Inclusive Engagement
Ensure that government consultations are accessible and inclusive, considering in-person, online, and plain-language outreach and engagement methods.
5. Transparency in Consultation Processes
We urge the Government of Canada to make public all invite lists for consultations related to human rights mechanisms.
6. Creation of a National Network of Collaboration
Establish a platform for civil society organizations to share reports, collaborate on human rights submissions, and strengthen collective action.
7. Sustained Human Rights Education Campaign
Focus on educating Canadians, particularly on the Universal Periodic Review process and human rights obligations.
8. Ongoing Human Rights Education for Public Officials
Ensure that government officials at all levels are educated on their human rights obligations and how to engage diverse communities.
See Blueprint here.
How Can Civil Society Come Together to Advance Human Rights?
As a network of civil society organizations, we commit to:
Amplifying voices from the community
Prioritizing ongoing human rights education
Fostering collaboration across diverse intersections of identity and experience
Sharing skills, knowledge, and organizing resources
Increasing awareness of collective action
Working directly with government to advance human rights
Listen as JHC's Executive Director Renee Vaugeois and Director of Research and Adult Education Angelica Quesada discuss how our organization is now and will be continuing to mobilize civil society for human rights.