Poverty is an affront to human rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Ottawa, ON: Today is the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While much has changed over the last 60 years, many challenges remain in the fight for human rights. Surprisingly, this is true not only in the Global South, but also in Canada.

“The abuse of human rights is a tragedy wherever and whenever it takes place,” said Joe Gunn, Executive Director of Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). “It is inexcusable, however, that in a country such as Canada with abundant resources and capacity, the basic human rights of 1 in 10 of its citizens are not being respected. Poverty is an affront to the universal values of dignity, freedom, justice and peace.”

Joe continued, “Far too many Canadians have incomes falling far short of what is required for ‘adequate health and well-being’ as guaranteed in the Declaration, nor do they have access to ‘necessary social services.’”

This important anniversary coincides with the release of Welfare Incomes 2006 and 2007, a report from the National Council of Welfare (NCW). Providing a comprehensive overview of the incomes of Canadians living on social assistance, the report speaks to the consistent inadequacy of welfare throughout the country. Considering longer term trends, the report states that “welfare incomes were never high, but the declines that have occurred demonstrate that Canadian welfare programs are too often providing inadequate help to people who need it the most.”

“It is appalling to note the significant decline of welfare incomes in Canada, particularly for single people deemed employable, “ says Karri Munn-Venn, CPJ’s Socio-economic Policy Analyst. “According to the NCW, in 2007, those on welfare received as little as $3,574 per year. Only in the territories does this figure go above $10,000, and even then it represents less than 50% of after-tax median income.”

CPJ has been active in calling for a federal Poverty Reduction Strategy with targets and timelines, an action plan and budget, accountability and measurable indicators. In order to address the human rights of Canada’s most vulnerable people, it is clear that this strategy must also include measures which address the inadequacies of social assistance.

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is a national organization that promotes public justice in Canada by shaping key policy debates through research and analysis, publishing and public dialogue. CPJ encourages citizens, leaders in society and governments to support policies and practices that reflect God’s call for love, justice and stewardship. www.cpj.ca

For more information, contact:
Joe Gunn, Executive Director, 613-232-0275, ext. 224
Karri Munn-Venn, Policy Analyst, 613-232-0275, ext. 222