Accountability is a fundamental component of a human rights-based approach.
All levels of government have a duty to ensure that people have an adequate standard of living. To determine whether we are making progress towards this goal, we need to monitor what impact government actions have on people’s daily lives. We need ways to provide people with remedy when their rights have been violated.
Accountability mechanisms keep us focused on our goals, allow us to adjust our strategies and actions as we go, and motivate us to move further and faster. Done well, accountability sets us up for success.
At Maytree, we support the creation of accountability institutions, such as dedicated offices for commissioners and advocates. We collect and analyze data that can be a tool to hold governments accountable.
Featured accountability publications
In search of political will: Strengthening Canada’s mechanisms for the domestic implementation of international human rights commitments
This report analyzes the gaps in Canada’s human rights implementation processes and makes recommendations for reforms at both national and provincial/territorial levels.
With disability benefits, governments cannot get lost in complexity
Developing the new Canada Disability Benefit will no doubt raise difficult questions, but that’s no excuse for doing nothing, or for choosing to serve the needs of government rather than the needs of people.
Canada’s provinces and territories are ignoring human rights obligations
Alexi White’s deputation to the Subcommittee on International Human Rights highlights that most Canadian provinces and territories fail to acknowledge or implement their international human rights obligations. He urges the subcommittee to demand greater accountability, invite provincial witnesses, write a report examining progress on the Subcommittee’s 2010 recommendations, and promote a National Framework for Human Rights Implementation to address these deficiencies.
Explore accountability publications
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Sheltering human rights: Why Toronto must act on Ombudsman’s recommendations
Advocating for Canadian women’s housing rights at a United Nations forum in Geneva
Stream of election gimmicks and promises will violate our human rights obligations
Canada’s provinces and territories are ignoring human rights obligations
