Authors: Othon A. Leon and Dr. Julian Spencer-Churchill
Security forces in the Americas persist in violating human rights, even as Canada intensifies its efforts to evolve them into rights-respecting democratic entities. By endorsing inclusive programs and training, Canada seeks to enhance professionalism among personnel and champion justice throughout the region. However, the continued prevalence of systemic abuses suggests that our assistance, so far, is inadequate for real change. This adversely impacts Canada’s interests.
Multiple Canadian Efforts
The Canadian government identifies the advocacy and protection of human rights in the Americas as a top priority.
Through various initiatives such as the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) – a defense diplomacy program promoting global peace; the Americas Policy Group (APG) – a collective of Canadian organizations championing human rights, social justice, and environmental protection in the Americas; the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) – Canada’s main platform for peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas; and Security capacity-building programs aimed at combatting transnational crime, bolstering law enforcement collaboration, and enhancing regional cooperation, Canada furthers human rights in the Americas. The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives also emphasizes governance, security, and human dignity. The 2023-24 Departmental Plan of Global Affairs Canada references “Human Rights” 47 times, showcasing the department’s commitment. At the Organization of American States (OAS), Canada prioritizes fortifying the foundation for the Inter-American Human Rights System, advocating for diversity and pluralism.
In December 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that Canada would contribute an additional $5 million to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He also committed $1 million each to the Global Equality Fund, the International Religious Freedom Fund, and the Lifeline Embattled CSO Fund, targeting the protection of LGBTQ2 individuals, religious minorities, and civil society organizations (CSO). Trudeau underscored Canada’s pivotal role in combatting arbitrary detention, pointing to the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, which garnered support from over 65 nations. He also emphasized Canada’s continued leadership in promoting democratic principles, referencing its positions as Chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, and Co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition.
At the Ninth Summit of the Americas in June of the previous year, Prime Minister Trudeau pledged over $145 million to bolster human rights across the Americas, targeting these priority sectors:
- $67.9 million to promote gender equality.
- $26.9 million to address irregular migration and forced displacement.
- $31.5 million to support health and pandemic response.
- $17.3 million for projects supporting democratic governance.
- $1.6 million to promote digital access and address disinformation.
Canada subsequently endorsed the Declaration on the North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice and the Canada-Mexico Action Plan. The latter emphasizes an anti-racism segment dedicated to tackling inequality, racial prejudice, and hatred.
Canada, by combining security training, development aid, trade strategies, election supervision, and support for civil society, aims to strengthen human rights. However, the outcomes of these actions are typically limited at best.
But the Abuses in the Region Endure
Despite Canada’s efforts, human rights violations persist across the Americas. The 740-page World Report 2024, the 34th edition by Human Rights Watch (HRW), evaluates the human rights situations in almost 100 countries, and the findings for the Americas are grim. The region has seen a decline in democratic institutions, civil liberties, and heightened abuses, especially south of the Rio Grande. This should alarm those who are, or could be, impacted by such violations, including Canada. The space for opposing views and watchdog institutions is diminishing as leaders embrace populist and autocratic stances. Consequently, many feel forced to migrate, seeking fundamental freedoms elsewhere.
In 2023, in Mexico, President López Obrador made little progress on human rights. Poverty decreased to 36.3% in 2022, but healthcare access worsened. Violence remains high, with only 1% of crimes solved. Torture, arbitrary detention, and military abuses persist. Over 110,000 people are missing. Eight journalists were killed in early 2023. Abortion rights expanded, but Mexico remains dangerous for migrants. Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide. Fossil fuel investments conflict with Paris Agreement commitments.
The Cuban government represses dissent amid an economic crisis. Hundreds of July 2021 protesters remain detained. Blackouts and shortages triggered 2023 demonstrations. The US maintains its embargo. Over 700 protesters are jailed, and many Cubans flee. Travel restrictions impact critics, and shortages worsen living conditions. Cuba holds over 1,000 political prisoners, restricts freedom of expression, and has poor prison conditions. LGBT discrimination continues despite legal same-sex marriage. Gender-based violence is high. Despite criticism, Cuba was elected to the UN Human Rights Council in October 2023.
In 2023, Haiti faced worsening crises with increased killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence by criminal groups. The government’s response was weak, and the justice system was nearly nonfunctional. Over 40% of the population experienced acute food insecurity, and access to essential services like electricity, water, sanitation, healthcare, and education was severely limited. In October, the UN authorized a security mission led by Kenya. Prime Minister Ariel Henry failed to achieve a democratic transition. Despite the dire conditions, over 100,000 people were deported to Haiti, primarily by the Dominican Republic.
In 2023, Nicaragua‘s government, under President Daniel Ortega, intensified repression. Key violations included detaining critics, stripping their nationality, closing over 3,500 NGOs and multiple universities, and persecuting journalists. Indigenous communities faced violence and displacement, while women suffered from a total abortion ban and increased femicides. The 2018 protest crackdown remained unpunished, and widespread political persecution forced many to flee.
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele has dismantled democratic checks and balances and registered for the 2024 elections despite a constitutional prohibition. A state of emergency since March 2022 continues, suspending basic rights and leading to mass arbitrary detentions and abuses. Gang violence has decreased, but challenges like poverty, social exclusion, and violence against women and LGBT people persist.
In 2023, Venezuelans face severe repression and a humanitarian crisis, with over 270 political prisoners and millions lacking adequate healthcare and nutrition. Over 7.7 million have fled. The ICC resumed its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity. Government actions threaten election fairness, and October negotiations resumed between Maduro’s government and the opposition. Authorities harass union workers, journalists, and human rights defenders. The humanitarian crisis results in severe shortages and infrastructure failures. Freedom of expression is restricted, and armed groups pose threats. Environmental degradation and Indigenous rights violations persist. International actors monitor the situation, with some sanctions relief tied to election transparency.
Despite the 2016 peace accord with FARC, Colombia faces significant human rights issues, including abuses by armed groups, limited access to justice, and high poverty levels, especially in Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Armed groups like ELN, FARC dissidents, and AGC continue to operate, driven by illegal economies such as drug trafficking and illegal mining, committing serious abuses against civilians. Violence has risen in remote areas to pre-peace process levels. President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” strategy has had limited success in reducing violence and protecting civilians. He has positively shortlisted three women with strong human rights investigation records for the attorney general position.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva became Brazil‘s president on January 1, 2023. Shortly after, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro unsuccessfully stormed key government buildings. Lula reversed some harmful policies from the Bolsonaro era but struggled with police reform and consistent human rights advocacy. The Supreme Court upheld Indigenous land rights, while Congress passed opposing legislation. Deforestation in the Amazon decreased, but threats to forest defenders persisted. Following the January 8 attacks, around 1,500 people were arrested, and Bolsonaro was banned from running for office for eight years.
Despite all this, Latin America saw some significant progress in human rights in 2023, marked by key developments across the region. The “green wave” of abortion rights expansion continued, with Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico making notable strides. Same-sex marriage gained recognition as Nepal’s Supreme Court instructed authorities to acknowledge such unions. In Mexico, a civil society coalition successfully lobbied Congress to pass a law granting full legal capacity and the right to supported decision-making for everyone over 18, benefiting millions, including those with disabilities and older adults. Additionally, the Mexican Supreme Court mandated the elimination of federal criminal penalties for abortion, ensuring that all federal health facilities provide abortion care.
The Need for Tougher Conditionality
Ottawa needs to impose stringent human rights criteria and standards for all aid beneficiaries. Advocacy groups have urged for evaluations on human rights impacts before disbursing aid.
Given the concerning outcomes to date, Parliament should intensify its scrutiny. Canada should establish accountability frameworks, mirroring steps taken by allies like the US. More than mere verbal reproach, tangible repercussions for breaches are crucial.
By endorsing cooperation that’s conditional, discerning, and transparently centered on human rights, Canada can assist in eradicating entrenched corruption and impunity. Our assistance should confront, not appease, Latin America’s entrenched democratic alliances and pacts that protect the elite. Failing to do so compromises our principles overseas, with ramifications back home.
Blowback for Canada’s Interests
Canada’s shortcomings in effectively championing human rights have inadvertently contributed to escalating violence within its borders and across the Americas, sparking increased refugee migration from affected regions. Persistent rights violations have resulted in unprecedented homicide rates in Mexico, gang-related violence in Central America, and a significant influx of displaced people into Canada.
These forces of abuse also accelerate the illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons into Canada. By failing to fully wield its influence, Canada jeopardizes its internal security and refugee policies. A more tactical deployment of aid is imperative.
While Canada possesses commendable objectives in Latin America, our current approach inadvertently supports oppressive regimes, fosters corruption, and incites instability. It’s essential to adopt a firm stance, marrying our shared commitment to human rights with Canada’s national interests. Implementing condition-driven aid and ensuring accountability can effectively reshape Latin America’s security dynamics.
The alarming backslide in regional rights and democratic values necessitates immediate action, lest we reach a point of irreversibility.