Principal United Nations Human Rights Conventions and Covenants Ratified by Canada

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights  (1948) – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was founded on the principle that human rights are based on the “inherent dignity” of every person.

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) –  This Convention defines the term ‘refugee’ and establishes a framework for the rights of individuals who are granted asylum.

Convention on the Nationality of Married Women (1957) –  This legislation aims to protect the right of married women to retain or renounce citizenship, particularly after marrying someone outside their country or of a different nationality.

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) –
Countries who sign this convention agree to work toward the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of inter-racial understanding.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) – This International Covenant states’ obligations to respect individuals’ civil and political rights, including, liberty and security of the person, the right to procedural fairness.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) – The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was established to ensure that non-self-governing and trust territories and individuals are granted economic, social and cultural rights.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979) –
CEDAW aims to realize equality between men and women by highlighting the civil rights of women amongst other important issues.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) – The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a treaty that provides for the human rights of children, which are defined as any human being under the age of eighteen.

Canada and Women, Peace and Security Agenda – 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. In September 2015, Canada and all other 192 United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the UN General Assembly.

Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) – Global Affairs Canada’s implementation plan for the Canadian government’s Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) includes 93 targets across development assistance, humanitarian action and peace and stabilization efforts.

Women Peace and Security Index (WPS Index) –  In year 2019, Canada was 11th in ranking on WPS Index.