Posted: Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Passed by the CLC Executive Council, May 18, 2010

For over fifty years, Canada has been recognized worldwide as a defender and promoter of human rights both at home and globally. Our reputation was sealed by the tireless work of Canadians like John Humphrey – a drafter of one of the most important international documents outlining the rights of global citizens to live free from discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion and political status. The right to be equal before the law.

Canadians have reason to be proud of work led by Humphrey and countless human rights activists, who were supported in their struggle by workers and their unions. In 1988, an independent human rights agency, Rights and Democracy, was established by Parliament. Its staff and directors have, for many years, worked tirelessly to encourage and support the universal values of human rights and to promote democratic institutions and practices around the world. Its work represents an important Canadian contribution to the advancement of human rights and democratic development worldwide. Its role as an independent non-partisan organization contributed to its renowned reputation worldwide.

Today, that reputation is being tarnished by recent government appointments to the Board of Directors of Rights and Democracy.

The actions of these Directors have become increasingly political and partisan, and their treatment of workers at the Rights and Democracy exposes grave disrespect for the fundamental principles of democracy and rights the organization had dedicated itself to promoting around the world.

The Canadian Labour Congress is deeply concerned by the actions of those tasked with the upholding the standard of serious governance of this important institution. Sadly, the independence of the organization is now in question.

Free and democratic societies are built on respect for human rights and value the voices of dissent. The Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates support the workers at Rights and Democracy as they fight to reclaim its reputation. We urge Parliament to exercise its powers to insist that the government cease its interference in the mandates and operations of independent agencies like Rights & Democracy.

We urge all Canadians to add their voices to the growing movement to restore the integrity of Rights and Democracy.