The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences (Special Rapporteur), has said that Canada should not wait for the results of a national inquiry to protect indigenous women and girls from violence and discrimination. She said the country had enough information to act now to improve the lives of aboriginal women who are far more likely than non-indigenous women to be raped or killed, or to experience domestic violence. For example, the UN Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women issued a report in 2015 on missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada, recommending in part that Canada improve “the social and economic situation of aboriginal women [and] adop[t] a plan of action on vaw against Indigenous women.” This would include ending discrimination against aboriginal women in the provision of social services.
The Special Rapporteur also called on Canada to harmonize federal and provincial law on domestic violence to ensure a maximum level of protection and support for women across the entire country.
The Special Rapporteur issued her full statement at the end of her first official visit to Canada, in April 2018.
Compiled from: Bellrichard, Chantelle, 'Urgent actions' needed to address violence against Indigenous women and girls — UN report, CBC News (April 27, 2018).