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Shocking Internal Report Exposes Rampant Discrimination at the Head of Canada's Public Service

OTTAWA, July 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination released an internal report obtained through the Access to Information Act, which revealed blatant and widespread discrimination at the Privy Council Office (PCO). The federal government is Canada’s largest single employer, and it relies on the Privy Council Office to manage the public service, while also supporting the Prime Minister and the federal Cabinet. As such, the findings are extremely troubling, and a concern to all Canadians.

Through interviews with staff conducted over the course of six months, Dr. Rachel Zellars discovered a workplace where racial stereotyping, microaggressions, and verbal violence was regularly practiced and normalized, including at the executive level, and a culture that discouraged reporting, and lacked accountability mechanisms. Further, Dr. Zellars found that white employees and executives detailed career–advancing opportunities that were in stark contrast to those of Black, Indigenous, and racialized employees, who were clustered in temporary and lower–level positions.

In 2021, the then Clerk of the Privy Council, Ian Shugart, issued a Call to Action to public service leaders to take specific and meaningful actions to address racism, equity, and inclusion. But in the report, Black and racialized employees at PCO describe its Corporate Services department as a key barrier to that Call to Action.

The PCO provided the Coalition with an update on the steps they have taken since this report was released internally. While its list of initiatives show some attempt to implement the report’s recommendations, they lack the depth required to fully tackle the systemic issues identified, and there are still many key recommendations that have not been addressed.

The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination is calling for:

  • The resignation of Deputy Clerk Natalie Drouin, who was responsible for the discrimination file since 2021; and the resignation of Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Ministerial Services and Corporate Affairs, Matthew Shea, the head of Corporate Services since 2017.
  • The federal government to appoint a Black Equity Commissioner to address systemic anti–Black racism across all levels of government (similar to the two representatives appointed to address Antisemitism and Islamophobia)
  • The federal government to establish a department of African Canadian Affairs to centralize and give priority anti–Black racism work.
  • The federal government to immediately implement the Employment Equity Act amendments it promised in December 2023, to add Black Canadians as an employment equity group.
  • The federal government to provide restitution to Black public sector workers who have launched a class action lawsuit based on years of discrimination, as identified in multiple federal reports.

QUOTES

“It is shocking that this level of blatant discrimination occurred in one of Canada’s highest offices. Once again, those who have been perpetrators of discrimination are being tasked with implementing change. This approach has consistently failed, and it’s time for real arms–length accountability mechanisms, and structural changes to meaningfully address anti–Black discrimination.” Nicholas Marcus Thompson, President, Black Class Action Secretariat.

“This report underscores the urgent need for the federal government to immediately table the Employment Equity Act amendments, in line with the Task Force's recommendations. Additionally, the government must swiftly settle the class action filed by Black public service workers to address the systemic discrimination they have endured.” Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice President, Canadian Labour Congress.

“As representatives of professionals working within PCO, we are outraged that such discriminatory practices have been allowed to persist. It is clear that significant, structural changes are urgently needed to create a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees. The federal government must act decisively to implement the necessary reforms and ensure accountability at all levels.” Nathan Prier, President, Canadian Association of Professional Employees.

ABOUT:
The Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC). The Coalition previously highlighted discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which is currently being investigated by an international accreditation body.

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bcas–scrn.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18fc6358–7910–4230–9764–4ccc8268e748


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9195217)

Un rapport interne choquant révèle une discrimination rampante à la tête de la fonction publique canadienne

OTTAWA, 29 juill. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aujourd'hui, la Coalition contre la discrimination en milieu de travail a publié un rapport interne obtenu grâce à la Loi sur l'accès à l'information, qui révèle une discrimination flagrante et généralisée au Bureau du Conseil privé (BCP). Le gouvernement fédéral est le plus grand employeur au Canada et il dépend du Bureau du Conseil privé pour gérer la fonction publique, tout en soutenant le Premier ministre et le Cabinet fédéral. Par conséquent, les conclusions de ce rapport sont extrêmement préoccupantes et concernent tous les Canadiens.

Grâce à des entretiens avec le personnel menés sur une période de six mois, la Dre Rachel Zellars a découvert un lieu de travail où les stéréotypes raciaux, les microagressions et la violence verbale étaient régulièrement pratiqués et normalisés, y compris au niveau exécutif, et une culture qui décourageait les signalements et manquait de mécanismes de responsabilisation. De plus, la Dre Zellars a constaté que les employés et cadres blancs bénéficiaient d'opportunités de progression de carrière qui étaient en contraste frappant avec celles des employés noirs, autochtones et racialisés, qui étaient regroupés dans des postes temporaires et de niveau inférieur.

En 2021, l'ancien greffier du Conseil privé, Ian Shugart, a lancé un appel à l'action aux dirigeants de la fonction publique pour qu'ils prennent des mesures spécifiques et significatives pour lutter contre le racisme, l'équité et l'inclusion. Mais dans le rapport, les employés noirs et racialisés du BCP décrivent son département des services généraux comme un obstacle majeur à cet appel à l'action.

Le BCP a fourni à la Coalition une mise à jour sur les mesures qu'ils ont prises depuis la publication interne de ce rapport. Bien que leur liste d'initiatives montre une tentative d'implémentation des recommandations du rapport, elles manquent de la profondeur nécessaire pour s'attaquer pleinement aux problèmes systémiques identifiés, et de nombreuses recommandations clés n'ont toujours pas été abordées.

La Coalition contre la discrimination en milieu de travail demande :

  • La démission de la sous–greffière Natalie Drouin, responsable du dossier de la discrimination depuis 2021, et la démission du secrétaire adjoint du Cabinet, Services ministériels et affaires corporatives, Matthew Shea, à la tête des services généraux depuis 2017.
  • Le gouvernement fédéral doit nommer un commissaire à l'équité pour les Noirs afin de s'attaquer au racisme anti–Noirs systémique à tous les niveaux du gouvernement (similaire aux deux représentants nommés pour lutter contre l'antisémitisme et l'islamophobie).
  • Le gouvernement fédéral doit établir un département des affaires afro–canadiennes pour centraliser et prioriser le travail contre le racisme anti–Noirs.
  • Le gouvernement fédéral doit immédiatement mettre en œuvre les amendements à la Loi sur l'équité en matière d'emploi qu'il a promis en décembre 2023, pour ajouter les Canadiens noirs comme groupe d'équité en matière d'emploi.
  • Le gouvernement fédéral doit fournir une restitution aux travailleurs noirs du secteur public qui ont lancé un recours collectif basé sur des années de discrimination, comme l'ont identifié de nombreux rapports fédéraux.

CITATIONS

« Il est choquant que ce niveau de discrimination flagrante se soit produit dans l'un des bureaux les plus élevés du Canada. Encore une fois, ceux qui ont été les auteurs de la discrimination sont chargés de mettre en œuvre le changement. Cette approche a constamment échoué, et il est temps d'avoir de véritables mécanismes de responsabilisation indépendants et des changements structurels pour s'attaquer de manière significative à la discrimination anti–Noirs. » Nicholas Marcus Thompson, Président, Secrétariat recours collectif noir (SRCN).

« Ce rapport souligne l'urgence pour le gouvernement fédéral de déposer immédiatement les amendements à la Loi sur l'équité en matière d'emploi, conformément aux recommandations du groupe de travail. De plus, le gouvernement doit régler rapidement le recours collectif déposé par les travailleurs noirs de la fonction publique pour s'attaquer à la discrimination systémique qu'ils ont subie. » Larry Rousseau, Vice–président exécutif, Congrès du travail du Canada.

« En tant que représentants des professionnels travaillant au sein du BCP, nous sommes outrés que de telles pratiques discriminatoires aient été autorisées à persister. Il est clair que des changements structurels significatifs et urgents sont nécessaires pour créer un lieu de travail juste et inclusif pour tous les employés. Le gouvernement fédéral doit agir de manière décisive pour mettre en œuvre les réformes nécessaires et assurer la responsabilisation à tous les niveaux. » Nathan Prier, Président, Association canadienne des employés professionnels.

À PROPOS:
La Coalition contre la discrimination en milieu de travail est composée de : Secrétariat recours collectif noir (SRCN), l'Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada (AFPC), l'Association canadienne des employés professionnels (ACEP), le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP), l'Alliance des infirmières noires canadiennes (AINC), le Réseau Enchanté, la Coalition Rouge, la Fédération des Canadiens noirs (FCN), 613–819 Black Hub, la Coalition de la société civile des Canadiens noirs (CSCCN).

CONTACT MÉDIA:
media@bcas–scrn.org

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible au : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18fc6358–7910–4230–9764–4ccc8268e748


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9195217)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Canada Under Investigation by UN Partner for Anti-Black Discrimination

TORONTO, June 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a landmark decision, the international body that hands out human rights accreditations has concluded that there is enough basis to review Canada’s “A” status – an unprecedented move that puts it among the ranks of countries like Russia, Iraq, and Venezuela.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) — a United Nations partner — has launched a “Special Review” of the accreditation of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). This comes as the result of a complaint by a coalition of Canadian human rights organizations, which submitted federal findings of anti–Black discrimination at the Canadian Human Rights Commission as evidence.

Despite admitting to human rights violations, the Canadian government is currently vying for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2028–2030, with a vote happening in 2026.

“With this international review, the Canadian government is now on notice,” says Nicholas Marcus Thompson, with the Black Class Action Secretariat, the coalition lead. “It cannot claim to be a global leader in human rights, while discriminating against its own at home.”

If the international body finds there are grounds to downgrade the CHRC to “B” status, for the first time ever, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies, and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms. Further, it will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

“The implications of this decision are very serious as Canada has never had its status reviewed in its more than 30 years as a GANHRI member,” says Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada. “We urge the Canadian government and the Commission to take all necessary measures to guarantee the integrity of the Commission and its critical role for Canadians.”

In line with the International Decade for People of African Descent, the coalition is calling for:

  • JUSTICE: Creating a properly funded direct–access model to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (removing CHRC’s role as a gatekeeper with the power to dismiss claims before they reach the Tribunal)
  • RECOGNITION: Expediting Employment Equity Act amendments to include Black people as an employment equity group.
  • DEVELOPMENT: Appointing a Black Equity Commissioner to address discrimination in the public service.

WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE AND ACCESS PHOTOS HERE: https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

MEDIA CONTACT: Ginella Massa, Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

BACKGROUND INFO:

On Feb 26, 2024, a coalition of human rights organizations submitted a complaint to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The coalition consists of: The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), The Enchanté Network, the Red Coalition, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) and The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)

The group provided as evidence: the findings of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's and the Senate Human Rights Committee's findings of anti–black discrimination.

The complaint highlighted: violations to international human rights laws, and the Paris Principles, internationally agreed upon minimum standards which member human rights institutions are required to adhere to.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is one of the largest human rights networks worldwide, representing more than 110 National Human rights institutions. It is a recognised, and trusted partner, of the United Nations. GANHRI’s Sub–Committee on Accreditation is responsible for reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The SCA met March 26–28 and published its report and recommendations on June 7, 2024. It decided to initiate a review of Iraq and Canada.

Canada has been a member of GAHNRI since its inception in 1993, through the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Its last accreditation review period was from 2016–2022, with its next review slated for 2027. This unprecedented “Special Review”, which Canada has never been subject to in its member history, will investigate the five year period preceding its most recent “A” status accreditation in 2022.

GANHRI members are reviewed every 5 years. As of December 2023, GANHRI is composed of 120 members: 88 “A” status accredited NHRIs and 32 “B” status accredited NHRIs.

There are currently two levels of accreditation:
Status “A” (Fully compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions participate fully in the international and regional work and meetings of national institutions as voting members, and they can hold office in the Bureau of the International Coordinating Committee or any sub–committee the Bureau establishes. They are also able to participate in sessions of the Human Rights Council and take the floor under any agenda item, submit documentation and take up separate seating.
Status “B” (Partially compliant with the Paris Principles): Institutions may participate as observers in the international and regional meetings of the national human rights institutions. They cannot vote or hold office with the Bureau or its sub–committees. They are not given NHRIs badges, nor may they take the floor under agenda items and submit documentation to the Human Rights Council.

Countries that have previously been under Special Review: Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Great Britain, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq.

Special Review Process and timeline: GANHRI will conduct Canada’s Special Review in the fall of 2024, with a decision in the ensuing months. It will examine the five year period from 2016–2022 that led to its most recent “A” status accreditation. If Canada is downgraded to “B” status, it will no longer have independent participation rights at the UN Human Rights Council, its subsidiary bodies and some General Assembly bodies and mechanisms, and will lose the right to vote and hold governance positions at GANHRI.

ADDITIONAL FILES:

VIDEO: GANRHI Meeting
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

MAP: Countries subjected to Special Review
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

MAP: GANHRI countries with A/B certifications
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)

Avis aux médias : dans une decision historique, une instance internationale examinera l'accréditation du Canada en matière de droits de la personne pour cause de discrimination anti-Noir.e.s

TORONTO, 12 juin 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dans une décision historique, l'instance internationale qui délivre les accréditations en matière de droits de la personne a conclu qu'il y avait suffisamment d'éléments pour revoir la classification de « statut A » attitrée au Canada. Il s'agit d'une décision historique qui positionne le Canada au même rang que des pays tels que la Russie, l'Irak et le Venezuela.

L'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI), un organe des Nations unies, a lancé un « examen spécial » de l'accréditation de la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne (CCDP). Cette décision fait suite à une plainte déposée par une coalition d'organisations canadiennes de défense de la personne, qui a présenté des constats fédéraux de discrimination anti–Noir.e.s au sein de la Commission canadienne des doits de la personne à titre de preuve.

Bien qu'il ait admis avoir commis des violations des droits de la personne, le gouvernement canadien est actuellement en lice pour obtenir un siège au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies pour la période 2028–2030, avec un vote en 2026.

« Avec cet examen international, le gouvernement canadien est désormais averti », déclare Nicholas Marcus Thompson, président et directeur général du le Secrétariat du recours collectif des Noir.e.s. « Il ne peut pas prétendre être un leader mondial en matière de droits de la personne, tout en discriminant les siens dans son propre pays. »

Si cette instance internationale estime qu'il y a des raisons de rétrograder la CCDP au « statut B », pour la toute première fois, le Canada n'aura plus de droit de participation indépendante au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies, à ses instances subsidiaires ainsi qu'à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale. En outre, le Canada perdra le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

Si cette instance internationale estime qu'il y a des raisons de rétrograder la CCDP à la catégorie de « statut B », pour la toute première fois, le Canada n'aurait plus de droit de participation indépendante au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations unies, à ses instances subsidiaires ainsi qu'à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale. De plus, le Canada perdrait le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

« Les implications de cette décision sont très graves pour le Canada. Elle risque de ternir irrémédiablement sa réputation de leader mondial en matière de droits de la personne. Au cours de ses 30 années d'adhésion à la GANHRI, le Canada n'a jamais vu son statut révisé », a déclaré Ketty Nivyabandi, secrétaire générale d'Amnistie internationale Canada. « Nous exhortons le gouvernement canadien et la Commission à prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour garantir l'intégrité de la Commission et le rôle essentiel qu'elle joue pour les Canadiens et Canadiennes ».

La coalition des groupes canadiens de défense des droits de l'homme, dirigée par Le Secrétariat du Recours collectif Noir (SRCN), demande :

  • JUSTICE : Le ministre de la Justice et le procureur général Arif Virani doivent amorcer la création d'un modèle d'accès direct au Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne qui soit adéquatement financé (ce qui éliminerait par le fait même que la CCDP puisse agir comme gardien ayant le pouvoir de rejeter les plaintes avant qu'elles n'atteignent le Tribunal).
  • RECONNAISSANCE : Le gouvernement canadien doit accélérer les amendements à la Loi sur l'équité en matière d'emploi, attendus depuis longtemps, afin d'inclure les Canadiens noirs dans le groupe d'équité en matière d'emploi.
  • ACTION : Le gouvernement fédéral doit nommer un commissaire à l'équité pour les Noir.e.s qui sera un.e parlementaire indépendant.e chargé.e de superviser et de maintenir l'équité à tous les niveaux de l'administration et de la fonction publique.

REGARDEZ LA CONFÉRENCE DE PRESSE, ACCÉDEZ AUX LIENS, AUX INFORMATIONS GÉNÉRALES ET AUX PHOTOS ICI : https://www.bcas–srcn.org/post/chrc–under–special–review–for–discrimination

CONTACT MÉDIA: Ginella Massa, de Massa Media & Comms | info@massamedia.ca

RENSEIGNEMENTS D'ORDRE GÉNÉRAL :

Le 26 février 2024, une coalition d'organisations de défense des droits de la personne a déposé une plainte auprès de l'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI).

La coalition est composée des organisations suivantes : Le Secrétariat du Recours collectif noir (SRCN), Alliance de la fonction publique du Canada (AFPC), Syndicat national des employées et employés généraux du secteur public (SNEGSP), Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA), Réseau Enchanté, Red Coalition, Fédération des Canadiens noirs (FBC), 613–819 Black Hub, Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC), et l'Association canadienne des employés professionnels (ACEP).

Le groupe a présenté comme preuves les conclusions du Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada et de la Commission sénatoriale des droits de la personne en matière de discrimination anti–Noir.e.s.

La plainte souligne les violations de la législation internationale en matière de droits de la personne et des Principes de Paris, qui sont les normes minimales convenues à l'échelle internationale auxquelles les institutions nationales des droits de la personne sont tenues d'adhérer.

L'Alliance mondiale des institutions nationales des droits de l'homme (GANHRI) est l'un des plus grands réseaux de défense des droits de la personne au monde, représentant plus de 110 institutions nationales de défense des droits de la personne. C'est un partenaire reconnu et de confiance des Nations unies. Le sous–comité d'accréditation de la GANHRI est chargé d'examiner et d'accréditer les institutions nationales des droits de la personne conformément aux Principes de Paris. Le SCA s'est réuni du 26 au 28 mars et a publié son rapport et ses recommandations le 7 juin 2024. Il a décidé d'entamer un examen de la situation de l'Irak et du Canada.

Le Canada est membre de la GAHNRI depuis sa création en 1993, par le biais de la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne. La dernière révision de son accréditation a eu lieu entre 2016 et 2022, et la prochaine est prévue pour 2027. Cet « examen spécia l» historique, auquel le Canada n'a jamais été soumis depuis qu'il est membre, concerne la période de cinq ans qui a précédé sa dernière accréditation au « statut A », en 2022.

Les membres de la GANHRI font l'objet d'un examen tous les cinq ans. En décembre 2023, la GANHRI compte 120 membres : 88 INDH accréditées du « statut A » et 32 INDH accréditées du « statut B ».

Il existe actuellement deux niveaux d'accréditation :

Le « statut A » (entièrement conforme aux Principes de Paris) : Les institutions participent pleinement aux travaux internationaux et régionaux et aux réunions des institutions nationales en tant que membres votants, et peuvent occuper un poste au sein du Bureau du Comité international de coordination ou de tout sous–comité créé par le Bureau. Elles peuvent également participer aux sessions du Conseil des droits de l'homme et prendre la parole sur n'importe quel point de l'ordre du jour, soumettre de la documentation et occuper des places séparées.

Le « statut B » (partiellement conforme aux Principes de Paris) : Les institutions peuvent participer en tant qu'observateurs aux réunions internationales et régionales des institutions nationales de défense des droits de la personne. Elles ne peuvent ni voter ni occuper un poste au sein du Bureau ou de ses sous–comités. Elles ne reçoivent pas de badge de INDH, ne peuvent pas prendre la parole sur les points de l'ordre du jour et ne peuvent pas soumettre de documents au Conseil des droits de l'homme.

Pays ayant déjà fait l'objet d'un examen spécial : Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Chili, Équateur, Honduras, Mexique, Indonésie, Jordanie, Népal, Grande–Bretagne, Panama, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russie, l’Irak.

Processus d'examen spécial et chronologie : La GANHRI effectuera l'examen spécial du Canada à l'automne 2024 et prendra une décision dans les mois suivants. L'examen portera sur la période de cinq ans (2016–2022) qui a mené à la dernière accréditation de « statut A ». Si le Canada est rétrogradé au « statut B », il ne disposera plus de droits de participation indépendants au Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies, à ses instances subsidiaires et à certains organes et mécanismes de l'Assemblée générale, et il perdra le droit de voter et d'occuper des postes de gouvernance au sein de la GANHRI.

DOCUMENTS COMPLÉMENTAIRES :

VIDÉO : Réunion de la GANRHI https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzjpWKcJGhX/?igsh=ajk2dHlmcWVnZmd6

CARTE : Pays soumis à l'examen spécial https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8e4f35_458bc54c3f894c6690c810cb81e9b376~mv2.jpg

CARTE : Pays de la GANHRI avec certifications A et B https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/HRIndicators/NHRI_map.pdf


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9153017)