Universal Periodic Review
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Introduction
The Universal Periodic Review is a peer-review process of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.
Under the Universal Periodic Review, the human rights record of each country is reviewed by other United Nations Member States. This provides an opportunity for countries to discuss their domestic human rights framework as well as measures taken to promote and protect human rights in their country.
The Universal Periodic Review process includes five steps:
- The submission of parallel reports to the UN by Indigenous organizations, civil society and human rights commissions providing insights on human rights challenges;
- The submission of a national report by the country under review;
- An appearance at the Human Rights Council, at which time other countries make recommendations to the country under review;
- The submission of an official response to the recommendations, which indicates which recommendations the country under review accepts, and which it does not accept (notes); and
- The adoption of the outcome of the review by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Learn more about the Universal Periodic Review process.
Canada and the Universal Periodic Review
Canada is a major proponent of the Universal Periodic Review and contributed significantly to the elaboration of the process. Canada actively participates in the review of other countries and encourages countries to participate in an open, transparent, and cooperative manner.
Canada sees the Universal Periodic Review as an integral part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad.
The Universal Periodic Review provides Canada the opportunity to assess its human rights situation. This includes identifying strengths and recognizing challenges where improvements are needed.
Documents related to Canada's Universal Periodic Review cycles can be found on the Universal Periodic Review section of the United Nations website.
Canada's Universal Periodic Review cycles
Canada’s Fourth Universal Periodic Review
Canada's fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review milestones
- Submission of national report: September 12, 2023
- Appearance at the Human Rights Council: November 10, 2023
- Submission of Canada's response to the recommendations received: March 2024
- Number of UN Member States that participated in Canada’s UPR: 122
- Number of recommendations made to Canada: 332
- Number of recommendations accepted by Canada: 222
- Number of recommendations accepted in part by Canada: 32
- Adoption of outcome of Canada’s UPR at the Human Rights Council: March 25, 2024
More about Canada's fourth Universal Periodic Review
Canada's national report for its fourth Universal Periodic Review tracks progress made against the recommendations accepted in 2018 as part of its third review, and includes updates on the rights of Indigenous Peoples; education and employment; poverty, housing and food security; the rights of women and girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, children and youth, persons with disabilities, migrants and refugees, and older persons; diversity, equity and inclusion; public safety and law enforcement; business and human rights; and climate change.
The report was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and agencies, and provincial and territorial governments through two federal, provincial, and territorial committees on human rights: the Senior Officials Committee Responsible for Human Rights and the Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights.
Canada’s draft report was consulted with more than 500 representatives of civil society organizations, Indigenous groups, and human rights commissions in Canada. A summary of the views that were received were appended to the final report, including, for the first time, verbatim input from National Indigenous Organizations.
During Canada’s review at the Human Rights Council in November 2023, Canada received 322 recommendations made by other UN Member States. The recommendations focused on a range of topics, including, but not limited to: the rights of Indigenous Peoples, combatting racism and hate motivated crime and speech, improving the rights of migrants and refugees, ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT), ratifying the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED), and improving oversight for Canadian companies operating abroad.
In formulating their recommendations, other UN Member States considered Canada’s national report; recent recommendations from United Nations human rights bodies, including those received from committees of independent experts (treaty bodies) and United Nations Special Procedures; and information from stakeholders and partners, including human rights commissions, civil society organizations and Indigenous groups.
In March 2024, Canada submitted its written response to the recommendations it received during its review in November 2023. Canada's response was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and agencies, and provincial and territorial governments through two federal, provincial, and territorial human rights committees: the Senior Officials Committee Responsible for Human Rights and the Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights. It was also informed by engagement with civil society, human rights commissions, and Indigenous groups.
The adoption of the Outcome of Canada’s Universal Periodic Review took place on March 25, 2024, at the UN Human Rights Council.
Canada's Third Universal Periodic Review
Canada's third cycle Universal Periodic Review milestones
- Submission of national report: March 9, 2018
- Appearance at the Human Rights Council: May 11, 2018
- Submission of Canada's response to the recommendations received: August 2018
- Number of UN Member States that participated in Canada’s UPR: 107
- Number of recommendations made to Canada: 275
- Number of recommendations accepted by Canada: 208
- Number of recommendations accepted in part by Canada: 3
More about Canada's third 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 topics, including regarding 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 received were appended to the final report.
During Canada’s review at the Human Rights Council in May 2018, Canada received 275 recommendations made by other UN Member States. The recommendations focused on a range of topics, including, but not limited to 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 UN Member States considered Canada’s national report; recent recommendations from United Nations human rights bodies, including those received from committees of independent experts (treaty bodies) and United Nations Special Procedures; and information from stakeholders and partners, including human rights commissions, civil society organizations and Indigenous groups.
In September 2018, Canada submitted its written response to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with respect to the 275 UPR recommendations. 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 Second Universal Periodic Review
Canada's second cycle Universal Periodic Review milestones
- Submission of national report: February 8, 2013
- Appearance at the Human Rights Council: April 26, 2013
- Submission of Canada's response to the recommendations received: September 2013
- Number of UN Member States that participated in Canada’s UPR: 82
- Number of recommendations made to Canada: 162
- Number of recommendations accepted by Canada: 121
More about Canada's second Universal Periodic Review
Canada's national report under its second Universal Periodic Review focused on measures that relate to the recommendations accepted and voluntary commitments made by the government of Canada during its first Universal Periodic Review in 2009.
Domestic stakeholders including Human Right Commissions in Canada, civil society organizations and Indigenous groups, submitted 48 reports to the United Nations as part of Canada’s second Universal Periodic Review.
During Canada’s review at the Human Rights Council in April 2013, Canada received 162 recommendations made by other UN Member States. The recommendations focused on a range of topics, including, but not limited 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.
In formulating their recommendations, other UN Member States considered Canada’s national report; recent recommendations from United Nations human rights bodies, including those received from committees of independent experts (treaty bodies) and United Nations Special Procedures; and information from stakeholders and partners, including human rights commissions, civil society organizations and Indigenous groups.
In September 2013, Canada submitted its written response to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with respect to the 162 UPR recommendations. 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.
Canada's First Universal Periodic Review
Canada's first cycle Universal Periodic Review milestones
- Submission of national report: January 5, 2009
- Appearance at the Human Rights Council: February 3, 2009
- Submission of Canada's response to the recommendations received: June 2009
- Number of UN Member States that participated in Canada’s UPR: 45
- Number of recommendations made to Canada: 68
- Number of recommendations accepted by Canada: 54
More about Canada's first Universal Periodic Review
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, challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples, women's rights, immigration, and anti-discrimination initiatives.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission, civil society 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 UN Member States covered several topics, including reducing inequality for disadvantaged groups; rights of Indigenous Peoples; poverty and homelessness; violence against women; and racism and discrimination.
In June 2009, Canada submitted its written response to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with respect to the 68 UPR recommendations. 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.
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