Canada Campaigns

Celebrate International Human Rights Day by joining or donating to LRWC

Promoting human rights by protecting those who defend them Your membership dues & other donations make LRWC’s work possible. In 2021, celebrate the work of human rights lawyers and defenders by joining or donating to LRWC. LRWC membership fees and donations ensure needed support for our … [Read more...]

British Columbia, Canada: Withdraw amendments to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act | Joint letter

Full joint letter (pdf) | See FIPA's webpage for more information Update 1 November 2021: See a Note by the Centre for Law and Democracy with in-depth assessments of proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) On 26 October 2021, Lawyers' Rights … [Read more...]

Canada: Alleged influence by judge on U of T hiring process | Update

LRWC welcomes news that the University of Toronto (U of T) Faculty of Law announced in June 2021 that it has reopened a competition to hire a director of its International Human Rights Program (IHRP) after months of controversy over allegations of improper external pressure and interference in the … [Read more...]

Canada: Implementation of UNDRIP is now the law

LRWC calls upon all Canadian authorities to ensure prompt action to implement Canada's Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [UNDRIP]. The Act is now the law in Canada. The Act received Royal Assent on 21 June 2021 after being passed by the Senate on 16 … [Read more...]

Canada must conduct thorough, independent investigation of all undocumented deaths of Indigenous children | Statement

• International law obligation for thorough, independent investigation • Implement UNDRIP and TRC Calls to Action • How Canadians can help Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) shares in the grief of Indigenous colleagues and communities after the announcement on 23 June 2021 of 751 … [Read more...]

Canada’s Senate must immediately pass Bill C-15: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) calls on Canada's Senate for immediate passage of Bill C-15, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. LRWC welcomes the House of Commons passage if the Bill on 25 May 2021 on Third Reading. In 2015 Canada's Truth and … [Read more...]

Attend LRWC’s Annual General Meeting 7th May 2021: Keynote speaker Marjorie Cohn | Event

Register to attend the online AGM CPD credit available for Keynote presentation (BC and Ontario lawyers) Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada plans to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) Friday 7 May 2021, 1 pm Pacific time (4 pm Eastern). This year’s AGM features keynote speaker … [Read more...]

Canada: Indigenous Nations, organizations and individuals support federal implementation of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | Open Letter

Full PDF (ENG) Full PDF (FR) LRWC signed an open letter published this week in The Hill Times. The letter was signed by 37 Indigenous Nations and governments and other organizations, and 125 human rights advocates, calling for the timely passage of Bill C-15, the proposed federal legislation to … [Read more...]

Yemen: UN Security Council should refer Yemen situation to the ICC: Oral Statement, 46th Session, UN Human Rights Council | Oral Statement

Full PDF (ENG) Direct link to LRWC statement Link to full debate Organization: Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada Item: Item 2: Oral Update of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen Date: 25 February 2021 Speaker: Catherine Morris Oral Statement to the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights … [Read more...]

In memoriam: Joe Arvay, O.C, O.B.C, Q.C. (1949-2020)

Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada is saddened by the passing of Canadian lawyer Joe Arvay on 7 December 2020. Joe Arvay was a giant in Canada’s civil rights and human rights community and was recognized for his contributions by being invested as an Officer in the Order of Canada. Joe Arvay was counsel on … [Read more...]