PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS – Rights that are considered basic to life in any human society. This concept can vary from society to society. THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT Human rights became a global issue after WW II UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS -backed by the UN after -“all human beings are born free & equal in dignity & rights”. -Most countries have agreed to these principles. -Problem – the only power the UN has is ‘world attention.’ -Not part of binding international law. INTERNATIONAL COURTS AND TRIBUNALS 1946 International Court of Justice (Both parties had to agree) 2002 a more permanent International Criminal Court established. USA, China & others opposed (internal courts sufficient) World Abuses Canada’s Indian Act & Residential Schools Australia ‘Stolen Generation’ Stalin Holocaust Apartheid 1959-? Chinese occupied Tibet Dictatorship in Uganda 1989 Tiananmen Square China Civil War Sierra Leone Bosnian War 1994 Rwandan Genocide 2004 Darfur genocide Stalin’s Purges Apartheid Residential Schools Protest in China Rwandan Genocide

HUMAN RIGHTS IN CANADA CANADIAN BILL OF RIGHTS – 1960 Formally recognized Can. Rights held by common law. Problem – ‘No teeth’ -> Could be changed like any other law. Did not override Fed. Or Prov. laws. CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS & FREEDOM ‘The Bill of Rights with ‘teeth’ -> Trudeau included in Constitution. Limiting The Charter – Reasonable Limits (Keegstra’s teachings on Holocaust) Notwithstanding Clause – Fed. & Prov. Leg. have final say (Bill 101) THE CHARTER IN ACTION Fundamental Freedoms Conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion, expression, assembly, & association. Mobility Rights (Free movement) No extradition for death penalties, Effects of Equality Rights Race, origin, colour, religion, sex, age, disability. Exceptions – Affirmative action – protects minority rights & disadvantaged. Legal Rights Arrest procedures, questioning, search & seizure. Gurbaj Singh Kirpan in school issue James Keegstra Alberta teacher who taught hatred (Holocaust) THE SUPREME COURT & THE RULE OF lAW Delwin Vriend School teacher fired for being gay by a religious private, school in Alberta Do airport scanners violate your rights? Other Issues Concert goers Abortion Public cameras Pregnacy Radar cameras Gay Marriage, TRUANT’S GOLDEN RULE – “Life, Liberty, & Security ” Diefenbaker Trudeau

Advocating your rights Federal Human Rights Legislation Covers Fed. Regulated Business Banks, airlines, Canada Post, & National Media B.C. Human Rights Code Discrimination (age, ancestory, colour, family/marital status, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation. Employment, tenancy, property, accommodation, services, public facilities, & hate propaganda. A Tribunal hears complaints (2009 = 1100) Supreme Court (Highest Court) PM/GG appointed from all regions. Sets Precedent for the country. Aboriginal Rights Residential Schools, poverty, treaty issues, education, fishing. Gender Equity Less pay, out # CEOs, > part time, Preferential Hiring Affirmative action vs. reverse discrimination. Children’s Rights Ministry of Children & Family Dev’t 2007 = 1 in 10 children living in poverty. Debate – less taxes, affordable child care, housing, schools Gender Equity vs. Preferential Hiring Tenant vs. Landlord Rights Can you recall any recent media stories?