On June 17, Global Affairs Canada launched a new version of Voices at Risk, Canada’s official guidelines on supporting human rights defenders globally. These revised guidelines align the framework with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy – including by adopting an intersectional approach to understanding the risks faced by human rights defenders. This launch followed a significant process of consultation with stakeholders including CCIC and many of its members.
The new guidelines include a strong focus on the work of Canadian missions abroad. They also highlight opportunities for Canada to support human rights defenders in multilateral forums and bilateral relationships, through partnerships with civil society and others, and by promoting responsible business conduct.
Several of CCIC’s members issued a joint press release on the new guidelines welcoming the launch and encouraging the government to accompany this commitment with comprehensive implementation and direct funding to human rights defenders and their movements.