Canada

Canada enjoys a global reputation as a defender of human rights, aided by a solid record on core civil and political rights protections that are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the government faces longstanding human rights challenges. Many of these relate to the rights of Indigenous peoples, including violations of their right to safe drinking water and police mistreatment and abuse of Indigenous women and girls. Canada also grapples with serious human rights issues relating to the placement of children in immigration detention, and the use of prolonged solitary confinement. Internationally, the Canadian government has not taken effective steps to address abuses linked to the overseas operations of Canadian extractive and apparel companies.