May 21, 2021

Because of COVID-19, several reviews of Canada by United Nations treaty bodies have been delayed. However, in preparation for the next review of Canada by the Human Rights Committee, FAFIA made a submission in May 2021 regarding the list of issues that Canada should be asked to focus on when it reports on its compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

FAFIA’s submission to the Human Rights Committee focused on the violations of the right to life inherent in Canada’s failure to provide adequate social assistance, and on the need for a comprehensive plan to address the inequality that women in Canada experience in the care economy and the service sector. The submission also noted that despite the accumulation of evidence of sexualized violence, assault, brutality, and gender and race-based discrimination by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada has not taken steps to address this shocking record and to fulfill its obligation under the Covenant to prevent and remedy violence against women.

Read the full submission here.