Cooperation Canada is proud to announce the launch of the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada’s International Cooperation Sector, developed by our independent advisory group after months of consultations. Below is their statement:
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We are tremendously grateful to colleagues, allies and critics of our sector who have contributed to the elaboration of the Anti-Racism Framework. This is a true collective effort that we hope will accelerate our collective shift towards a more anti–racist sector.
This Framework is a firm recognition of the responsibility of the international cooperation sector to address systemic racism, which is an important step towards intentional and continuous action and the promotion of human rights. But the Framework is so much more: it is a collective springboard for greater accountability and data on racial justice, more equitable organizations, more dignifying narratives of and by our sector, and a multitude of collaborative initiatives aimed at proactive anti–racist efforts and the amplification of Black, Indigenous and other racialized voices in Canada and abroad.
By officially signing onto the Framework, 78 organizations of various sizes, charitable purposes and geographical location have pledged to work within their institutions, with their peer organizations and partners, and with the general public, to advance deliberate anti–racist action. The Framework, available here in English and French, outlines key commitments that represent the minimum benchmarks for meaningful anti–racist shifts. With the overarching commitment of centering Black, Indigenous and other racialized employees, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders, the Framework is focused on transforming international cooperation organizations, the narratives we promote and the work we and our partners do.
The Framework is accompanied by an overarching indicator framework, which informs annual surveys that signatories are requested to submit. The annual surveys are developed and analyzed by a Task Force, which is co-led by sector actors and which will produce annual reports with recommendations for collective and institutional sector efforts. These recommendations will be presented to the Working Group and the broader public on May 21, 2021. Annual reports will be used to signal sector trends, inform most effective action and help sector actors hold themselves and each other accountable for the prioritization of anti-racist efforts in their organizations and their work.
We thank the signatory organizations, whose staff and leadership declared a commitment to contributing to a more equitable, racially just future. This Framework is not all that we will do, but it is a start. Over the next period, we aim to build around this collective Framework and construct inclusive structures supporting signatories to make progress on Framework commitments and support international and domestic partners working on similar objectives, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous and other racialized groups. This Framework is not perfect nor final. As our Open Letter to the Sector states: “This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to begin this work with you.”
In solidarity,
Anti-Racism Advisory Group convened by Cooperation Canada
List of signatory organizations
ADRA Canada
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
AIPEO Canada
Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Alternatives
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)
Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
British Columbia Council for International Cooperation
Canada Sierra Leone Friendship Society Inc.
Canada World Youth – Jeunesse Canada Monde
Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation
Canadian Christian Relief & Development Association (CCRDA)
Canadian Feed the Children
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH)
Canadian Red Cross
CARE Canada
Carrefour international bas-laurentien pour l’engagement social (CIBLES)
CECI (Centre d’études et de coopération internationale)
Children Believe
Clowns Sans Frontières
Coady International Institute
CODE
Comité de Solidarité/Trois-Rivières
Cooperation Canada
Crossroads International / Carrefour International
Cuso International
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
Développement, Expertise et Solidarité Internationale (DESI)
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada
Engineers Without Borders Canada
Equitas
Ethiopiaid Canada
FairTrade Canada
Farm Radio International
Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie
Fondation Village Monde
FSA Université Laval
Global Health Projects, University of Calgary
Grand Challenges Canada
Humanitarian Coalition
Inter Pares
Interagency Coalition on AIDS and Development
Inter-Council Network
International Teams Canada
IRIS Mundial
Islamic Relief Canada
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Mennonite Economic Development Associates
Mennonite Central Committee Canada
Mission inclusion
Northern Council for Global Cooperation
Ontario Council for International Cooperation
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam-Québec
Partners in Health Canada
Peace Africa Alliance Consulting, Educating and Training Centre (PAACET)
Presbyterian World Service & Development
Rayjon Share Care of Sarnia, Inc.
Results Canada
Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
Save the Children Canada
Solidarité Montérégie Amérique Centrale
Teach Peace Development
Tearfund Canada
Tenth Church Vancouver
The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security
The Equality Fund
the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
The Wellspring Foundation for Education
Trade Facilitation Office Canada/Bureau de promotion du commerce Canada
Ujeengo Global Community
United Church of Canada
VIDEA
World Renew
World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
World Vision
YMCA Canada