The Canadian Approach

Canada relies on a range of bilateral and multilateral tools to advance human rights internationally.

Bilaterally, Canada helps other states to meet their human rights commitments through direct support for development of democratic institutions and practices, legal and administrative training, and the provision of technical assistance. Discussions of human rights issues occur frequently in the context of Ministerial and Prime Ministerial visits, as well as at a working level in Ottawa and abroad between Canadian officials and their foreign counterparts. Responses to specific situations depend upon a number of considerations, including a government's relative commitment to human rights and the effectiveness of the means of influence at our disposal.

Multilateral fora also provide effective means for influencing other governments. Canada is recognized as a world leader for its efforts to promote and protect human rights at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie,and the Organization of American States (OAS), among others.

For more information:

What are human rights?

Gender Equality and Advancement of Women's Rights

Canada's commitment to human rights

Discrimination

Children's Rights

How Canada works with the United Nations