This week, Amnesty International released its annual report on the state of human rights around the world. And it raises serious and urgent concerns about Indigenous Peoples’ rights and climate justice in Canada.
The report criticizes the Canadian government’s repeated failure to fulfill its obligations to protect the land and waterways of Indigenous Peoples, and to respect their right to free, prior and informed consent.
In addition, it says Canada’s approach to climate change “fails to reflect Canada’s level of responsibility and capacity.” Canada is one of the world’s highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, the report states.
Amnesty International Canada’s Secretary General, Ketty Nivyabandi responded: “The state of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Canada is a national disgrace. Despite numerous promises to address ongoing injustices, governments in Canada have failed to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and respect their lands and resources. The climate crisis is exacerbating these injustices and demands urgent and decisive action from the government.”
If you’d like to learn more, please check out the following resources:
- View climate justice news and resources
- Learn about Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Canada
- Read the full 2022/23 Amnesty International Human Rights Report
You can help! To take action now, please visit our online actions:
- Send Message: Stop Burning Our Rights: Phase Out Fossil Fuels by 2030
- Petition: Canada Must Adopt Human Rights & Due Diligence Law
- Send Message: Protect Water Defenders in Honduras
