UNHRC

Persecution of religious and ethnic minorities

Canada

The starting of discrimination of minorities is traced as far behind as when the human civilization
started. The discrimination and persecution of a community by the majoritarian groups have been a
common sight since long back. But this is a serious global issue most of the minorities who face
discrimination becomes assassinates and terrorists and being a threat to the entire country. Many
countries have faced this situation earlier. The UN had taken significant steps and measures in
protecting the rights of the minorities and other ethnic and racially backward groups. Many measures
like the 1992 Minorities Declaration Act and the 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
according to which all the promoting rights and respect of minorities and other ethnically and racially
backward groups and providing freedom to all without distinction as to race, sex, language or region.
It also aimed at eradicating this completely.
Canada also had minorities like all other countries do. In 2001 there were three main visible
minorities the Blacks, the Chinese and the South Asians. Canada has very wisely handled the situation
of protecting and providing equal rights to the minorities. The Canadian charter of Rights and
Freedoms which was implemented on 17 th April 1982 provides all the people in Canada be it
minorities or any others the freedom of conscience and religion, and the freedom of thought, belief,
opinion, and expression, including freedom of press and other media of communication, freedom of
association, the right to seek employment in Canada, minority language education rights, Indigenous
people rights, etc. This also gives all the citizens the right to vote irrespective of their race, sex, etc.
Diversities and inclusion are cornerstones of Canadian identity, a source of social and economic
strength and something of which all Canadians can be proud. However even in an open and diverse
society as like that of ours we know that there are still many challenges. We know that throughout our
history and even today there are a few people who are being discriminated in our country. But we
have taken significant steps for improving and protecting the rights of all minorities of our country.
Canada’s Anti-Racism strategy 2019-2022 is $45 million investment that will take that immediate
step in combatting racism and discrimination against the minorities. The strategy will complement
existing government efforts and programs aimed at eliminating inequities by focusing on three guide
principles: Demonstrating Federal Leadership, empowering communities and building awareness &
changing attitudes. Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022 is guided by a vision of Canada where
all Canadians benefit from equitable access to and participation in the economic, cultural, social and
political spheres. As a part of our strategy, a new Anti-Racism action program will be launched to
provide funding support for local, regional and national initiatives and outcomes-based activities in
key areas of interventions like Employment, Social participation, Justice, etc. Additional funding will
be directed to the existing Community support, Multiculturalism, etc. We think this would be a great
measure and will have an adverse effect in our country. Awareness of this have been made among our
country citizens. So, Canada is trying to conclude that a country can take such initiative act for
advancement of the condition of the minority groups.