Our human rights work

The past five years have witnessed a significant increase in the attack on global human rights as governments in the North and South have implemented new repressive measures in the name of fighting the so-called “war on terror”. 

The year 2008 will mark the 60^th anniversary of the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the decades since, most countries have agreed upon numerous human rights standards and enshrined them into international law. While the standard setting has been ambitious and continues to address the need for new standards in areas such as disabled people, indigenous people, and other marginalized groups in need of better protections, we still lack ways to enforce these commitments. As a result, many governments routinely violate human rights and their obligations are not fulfilled.

Canada’s commitment to human rights has slipped during this period as well. Economic goals have become the main driver of foreign and domestic policies.

What are we doing about it?

KAIROS will assist its partners in using available human rights instruments to protect against human rights violations. Many of our partners face human rights violations and personal threats. Look for urgent actions inviting your response.

We’ll continue to make submissions to the United Nations Human rights Council and to hold Canada publicly to account when our government fails to meet its obligations under the agreements it has signed.

We need your help! Feel free to download any documents you find here, and use them in your classroom, workplace, union hall and faith community. Check out our Action section under Get Involved and participate in actions you’ll find there. Think through Canada’s image as a strong supporter of human rights—be prepared to challenge the realities and struggle in support of human rights here at home and around the world.