Canada and the Universal Periodic Review
Canada's first Universal Periodic Review
Canada's first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) took place on February 3, 2009.
During each UPR, Canada prepares a national report. The national report for Canada’s first UPR was submitted to the UN in January 2009. The report provided an overview of the framework for the promotion and protection of human rights in Canada as well as related policies and programs, including socio-economic issues, Indigenous issues, women’s rights, immigration, and anti-discrimination initiatives.
In keeping with the important role played by human rights institutions and civil society organizations in the UPR process, fifty reports were submitted to the UN by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, non-governmental organizations and indigenous groups in relation to Canada’s first UPR.
Following Canada’s appearance, the UPR Working Group issued its report, which included a list of the 68 recommendations Canada received from other States. The recommendations covered a number of topics, including reducing inequality for disadvantaged groups; indigenous issues; poverty and homelessness; violence against women; and racism and discrimination.
Canada's response to the recommendations, submitted to the UN in June 2009, was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments. Canada accepted, in full, in part or in principle, 54 of the recommendations. It also made nine additional voluntary commitments that complemented the accepted recommendations.
Documents related to Canada’s first UPR, including Canada’s national report and response and a compilation of information from stakeholders, can be found on the Universal Periodic Review website.
Canada's second Universal Periodic Review
Canada's second UPR took place on April 26, 2013.
A major focus of Canada's second National Report was on measures that relate to the recommendations and voluntary commitments it accepted during its first UPR in 2009. The report was prepared in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial government officials.
Forty-eight reports were submitted to the UN by domestic stakeholders, including the Canadian Human Rights Commission, non-governmental organizations and indigenous groups, in relation to Canada’s second UPR.
Canada received 162 recommendations from other States. The recommendations, included in the Report of the UPR Working Group focussed primarily on issues related to the ratification and implementation of international human rights treaties; Indigenous peoples; violence against women and girls; national security and public safety; poverty, homelessness and food security; racial and religious discrimination; and the situation of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and immigrants and refugees.
Canada’s response to the recommendations was submitted to the UN on September 16, 2013. Canada's response was prepared in close collaboration with federal departments and provincial and territorial governments. The response was informed by views expressed by civil society and Indigenous groups throughout the UPR process. Canada accepted, in full, in part or in principle, 121 of the recommendations received from other States.
Documents related to Canada’s second UPR, including Canada’s national report and response and a compilation of information from stakeholders, can be found on the Universal Periodic Review Second Cycle website.
Canada’s third Universal Periodic Review
Canada’s third UPR will take place in April/May 2018 during the 30th session of the UPR Working Group (the exact date is not yet known). The tentative deadline for the submission of Canada’s national report is February 2018.
The tentative deadline for the written submissions of domestic stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and indigenous groups is September 21, 2017.
For information on Canada’s Universal Periodic Review, please contact epu-upr@pch.gc.ca.
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