Universal Periodic Review

Canada's national report under its third Universal Periodic Review is based on the recommendations from the previous cycle as well as other priority issues, including with regard to Indigenous Peoples, the promotion of gender equality and social development initiatives.

The report was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments through the Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights.

More than 280 civil society organizations and Indigenous groups were consulted on a draft outline of Canada's report. The draft report was shared with National Indigenous Organizations and other Indigenous groups, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and civil society organizations. A summary of the views that were received are appended to the final report.

Following Canada's appearance, the Universal Periodic Review Working Group issued its report, which includes the 275 recommendations made to Canada by other countries. The recommendations focused on a range of issues, including the situation of Indigenous Peoples, racism, xenophobia and non-discrimination, gender equality and violence against women and girls, and Canada's accession to international human rights instruments that it has not yet ratified.

In formulating their recommendations, other countries considered Canada's national report; recent recommendations from United Nations human rights bodies, such as those received from committees of independent experts (treaty bodies) and United Nations Special Procedures; and information from other stakeholders, including national human rights institutions, civil society organizations and Indigenous groups.

In September 2018, Canada submitted to the United Nations its written response to the recommendations it received from other countries. Canada's response was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments. It was also informed by views expressed by civil society and Indigenous groups throughout the Universal Periodic Review process.

Canada's national report under its second Universal Periodic Review focusses on measures that relate to the recommendations and voluntary commitments Canada accepted during its first Universal Periodic Review in 2009.

Domestic stakeholders for Canada's second Universal Periodic Review, including the Canadian Human Rights Commission, non-governmental organizations and Indigenous groups, submitted 48 reports to the United Nations.

Following Canada's appearance, the Universal Periodic Review Working Group issued its report, which included the 162 recommendations Canada received from other countries. The recommendations focused primarily on issues related to the ratification and implementation of international human rights treaties; Indigenous Peoples; violence against women and girls; national security and public safety; poverty, homelessness and food security; racial and religious discrimination; and the situation of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and immigrants and refugees.

Canada's response to the recommendations was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments and was informed by views expressed by civil society and Indigenous groups throughout the Universal Periodic Review process.

The report provided an overview of the framework for the promotion and protection of human rights in Canada, as well as related policies and programs, including socio-economic issues, Indigenous issues, women's rights, immigration, and anti-discrimination initiatives.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission, non-governmental organizations and Indigenous groups submitted 50 reports to the United Nations in relation to Canada's national report under its first Universal Periodic Review.

The recommendations that Canada received from other countries covered a number of topics, including reducing inequality for disadvantaged groups; Indigenous issues; poverty and homelessness; violence against women; and racism and discrimination.

Canada's response to the recommendations was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments in accordance with United Nations guidelines. In addition to the accepted recommendations, Canada also made nine additional voluntary commitments that complemented the accepted recommendations.