Human Rights in Local Governance

Why the Local Government?

“The provisions of the present Covenant shall extend to all parts of federal States without any limitations or exceptions.”

- Article 28, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

- Article 50, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

When Canada signs and ratifies international human rights treaties, the legal obligations attached to these documents apply to all levels of government — the federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal. Municipal governments hold a crucial position to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights due to their proximity to rights holders. Local governments are often responsible for libraries, zoning bylaws, recreation, and other programs and services that benefit human rights. Yet, the human rights obligations of municipalities are neglected and overlooked.

Human Rights in Local Governance explores the implementation of international human rights law in cities and municipalities to hold local governments accountable to their human rights obligations by identifying what local governments can do to further human rights realization.