The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples “the framework” for reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Implementation of such a crucial human rights instrument is too important to be left to chance or political whim.
That’s why it’s vital that Canada’s commitment to fully implement the Declaration be enshrined in national legislation.
A private members bill now before Parliament would do just that. Bill C-262 would establish an overall framework for the federal government to work with Indigenous peoples to bring Canadian laws and government programmes and priorities into line with the human rights standards set out in the Declaration. Bill C-262 would also require regular public reporting on the progress made. Passage of Bill C-262 into law would make it much harder for this and future governments to ignore their obligations to implement the Declaration.
Last November, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould announced that her government would support Bill C-262. It’s important that we hold the government to this promise.
1. TAKE ACTION ONLINE
Sign and promote out online action calling for implementation of the UN Declaration.
2. WRITE TO YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Honouring the rights of Indigenous peoples is something every Member of Parliament should support, regardless of party.
>>> View our letter-writing action
3. TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS VITAL TOOL FOR RECONCILIATION
Along with partners across Canada and around the world, Amnesty has produced a wealth of material on understanding the UN Declaration.
>>> Read our joint statement with partners on the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration
>>> Visit Amnesty’s new global website on the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration
4. PROMOTE LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY
Reach out to Indigenous peoples’ organizations and other Indigenous experts in your community to develop public forums, teach-ins, book clubs and other events to promote deeper understanding of the UN Declaration and its significance. Contact Amnesty campaigner Craig Benjamin for ideas and assistance.
