Mandate

In 1988, Canada's Parliament decided to create an independent and non-partisan organization to reflect its commitment to the universal values of human rights and the promotion of democracy around the world.

Rights & Democracy is a Canadian...
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Mandate

In 1988, Canada's Parliament decided to create an independent and non-partisan organization to reflect its commitment to the universal values of human rights and the promotion of democracy around the world.

Rights & Democracy is a Canadian institution with an international mandate. It officially opened its doors in October 1990. It works with citizens' groups and governments in Canada and abroad to promote human and democratic rights, as defined in the International Bill of Human Rights. It focuses on four themes: democratic development and justice, women's rights, indigenous peoples' rights, and globalization and human rights in the following countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda (the Great Lakes Region), Togo, Burma, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala.Rights & Democracy's work emphasizes advocacy and capacity building. It provides political, financial and technical support to many frontline human rights groups, indigenous peoples' groups and democratic movements around the world. It advocates policy changes in national and international institutions, and strengthens the capacity of its partners to do the same. It assists the efforts of NGOs to gain access to multilateral institutions. It works to mainstream women's rights in human rights mechanisms. It brings together members of civil society and the State from different countries to discuss fundamental human rights and democratic development issues. It contributes to building public awareness, in Canada and abroad, of human rights violations and sponsors research, publications, conferences, missions of enquiry and other public events.



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During the past year, the International Centre's advocacy work emphasized the following goals:

The adoption, signing, and ratification of the Rome Statute for the creation of an International Criminal Court.
An end to impunity for gross human rights violations in Africa...
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During the past year, the International Centre's advocacy work emphasized the following goals:

The adoption, signing, and ratification of the Rome Statute for the creation of an International Criminal Court.
An end to impunity for gross human rights violations in Africa and internationally.
An end to the abusive use of national security laws in Asia.
The international recognition of indigenous peoples' rights.
The mainstreaming of women's human rights.
The mainstreaming of international human rights standards in international trade negotiations.

* Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, General Assembly Resolution 53/144.

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