Poverty violates women's human rights: UN warns Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Ottawa, ON: The United Nations says Canada’s record of social assistance negatively impacts women’s human rights. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women just issued its report on Canada’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

“The committee has sent a clear message to our governments,” said Joe Gunn, Executive Director of Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). “Our governments can’t hide behind jurisdictional disputes to avoid meeting their obligations to Canada’s women and girls. We need action.”

The report notes that welfare rates across the country are inadequate. In an unusual move, the committee not only called on Canada to raise social assistance to an adequate level, but to report back to the committee next year on progress.

“As we face an economic downturn, government action on poverty is even more important – the need for a federal poverty reduction strategy is clear,” stated Karri Munn-Venn, CPJ’s socio-economic policy analyst.

CPJ is joining with other organizations, including the Feminist Alliance for International Action, Amnesty International Canada and the National Anti-Poverty Organization to urge our governments to immediately implement the recommendations of the committee.

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
1-800-667-8046 x 224

Karri Munn-Venn
Socio-economic Policy Analyst
1-800-667-8046 x223