The UN Committee Against Racial Discrimination gave Canada a mixed report: six expressions of concern, two of satisfaction The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has concluded its sixty-first session, after having examined the national reports provided by nine countries, including Canada.
dia against peoples of African and Asian descent, as well as against migrants and refugees.
In each of these cases the Committee called on Canada to take action to correct the situation.
The Committee also noted its satisfaction with two issues: In a seven-paragraph comment on Canada, the Committee expressed concern over six issues: 1. The direct connection between Aboriginal economic marginalization and the ongoing dispossession of Aboriginal people from their land.
2. The high rate of incarceration of, violence against and death in custody of Aboriginals and people of African and Asian descent.
3. The high number of incidents of discrimination targeting Aboriginals and people belonging to minorities in the field of employment.
4. Allegations of exclusion of children of migrants with no status from the school system in some provinces.
5. That, in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 events, Muslims and Arabs had suffered from increased racial hatred, violence and discrimination.
6. Racial discrimination and expressions of prejudice in the media against peoples of African and Asian descent, as well as against migrants and refugees.
In each of these cases the Committee called on Canada to take action to correct the situation.
The committee also noted its satisfaction with two issues: 1. The Statement of Reconciliation made by the Canadian government, expressing Canada’s deep regret for the historic injustices committed against Aboriginal people.
2. The assurance given that Canada no longer will require a reference to extinguishment of surrendered land and resources rights in any land claim agreements.
I recieved this synopsis off of Boyce Richardson’s website. He posts a lot of interesting information there.
The above facts may say that Canadian media and politicians were a little too quick on the draw when National Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come called Canada’s way of dealing with Aboriginals racist.
note: Boyce Richardson’s website is at: www.magma.ca/ -brich/index.html
