Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights

Background

The Continuing Committee of Officials on Human Rights (CCOHR) was established by the first Federal-Provincial Ministerial Conference on Human Rights, held in Ottawa, in December 1975. The Committee first met in September 1976.

Through the CCOHR, federal, provincial and territorial governments consult and share information on international human rights instruments, including the ratification of new international human rights treaties and the domestic implementation of human rights treaties to which Canada is a party. By facilitating the sharing of information and best practices, the CCOHR ensures awareness and understanding of treaty obligations, which can influence policy and program development and contribute to the implementation of the treaties. The CCOHR also facilitates the preparation of Canada's reports to the United Nations on its implementation of human rights treaties and the distribution and discussion of the recommendations of UN treaty bodies.

Mandate

The mandate of the CCOHR is to maintain federal-provincial-territorial consultation and coordination on human rights issues; including with respect to the elaboration, ratification and implementation of international human rights treaties.

Representation

Each jurisdiction assigns an official representative to serve on the Committee. Members are responsible for ensuring a continuous liaison function on human rights issues among departments and agencies within their governments, and sharing information and views between governments.

The Department of Canadian Heritage, supported by the Human Rights Program, plays that role within the Government of Canada. The Departments of Foreign Affairs and Justice Canada are permanent representatives on the Government of Canada delegation to the Committee and play an active role in CCOHR discussions. Many provincial and territorial governments are represented on the CCOHR by their ministries of Justice/Attorney General. Other federal, provincial or territorial government officials may be asked to present information or participate in discussions of the Committee on specific agenda items.

Operations

The CCOHR meets face to face twice a year and engages in monthly conference calls.

Standing items on meeting agendas include each of the conventions to which Canada is a State party:

The Committee also discusses international human rights instruments that Canada is considering for signature, ratification or accession; and human rights instruments under development at the United Nations or other international bodies, and emerging human rights issues.

Elaboration of new human rights treaties

Provinces and territories participate in the elaboration of new international instruments by providing comments through the CCOHR to the Government of Canada on draft human rights conventions or declarations. Provincial and territorial governments are consulted throughout the drafting process.

Signature and ratification of human rights treaties

With respect to the signature and ratification of new international human rights treaties, where these treaties contain provisions that fall under provincial/territorial jurisdiction, the Government of Canada consults and seeks the support of provincial and territorial governments through the CCOHR before signature or ratification. To ensure compliance, federal, provincial and territorial governments undertake an extensive legislative and policy review prior to a decision on ratification.

Monitoring implementation of human rights treaties

The CCOHR facilitates the preparation of Canada's periodic reports on the implementation of the international human rights instruments, and responses to UN questionnaires and other requested reports on human rights. Through the CCOHR, provinces and territories participate in the review of Canada's reports by the respective UN treaty bodies, by preparing and reviewing documents for the Canadian delegation, and either attending or being available to provide information as needed during the review. The CCOHR discusses and shares the concluding observations of the UN treaty bodies and representatives facilitate follow-up as appropriate within their jurisdictions.

Communications/petitions

The CCOHR cooperates in the process of responding to communications and petitions against Canada involving provincial or territorial governments under the terms of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and complaints to Rapporteurs and Working Groups of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Meeting of FPT ministers responsible for human rights

The CCOHR is also charged with preparing meetings of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for human rights and facilitating follow-up to these meetings.

Civil society

The CCOHR is a forum for open and frank discussions between governments. As such, its meetings are held in camera and the content of its discussions is confidential.

Non-governmental organizations do not formally contribute to the work of the CCOHR. However, the CCOHR Secretariat (the Human Rights Program) invites the views of civil society on issues to be covered in Canada's reports to the United Nations. In addition, the Secretariat is also able to receive information and views from civil society for further distribution to representatives on the CCOHR and to federal departments. Information can be forwarded to cpfdp-ccohr@pch.gc.ca.