Know Your Rights: 60 Years of Protection Against Discrimination in Canada
How an international agreement can help protect you and your family in uncertain times
A recent study showed that about 60% of immigrants in Southwestern Ontario have faced discrimination in recent years. These experiences can lead to depression and health problems and make people feel they don't belong.
Many immigrants in London don't realize that for 60 years, there has been an international agreement designed to protect them from these experiences.
What is ICERD, and why should you care?
Third Committee of the General Assembly discussing drafts resolutions on the elimination of racial discrimination. (Photo Credit: UN Photo/Teddy Chen)
This year, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) turns 60. The United Nations adopted it on December 21, 1965, and it came into effect on January 4, 1969.
But what is it, exactly? ICERD is an agreement countries sign promising to fight against racial discrimination. Canada signed this agreement, which means our government has committed to protecting people from racial discrimination.
ICERD does several important things:
It makes countries promise to end racial discrimination
It requires countries to make hate speech illegal
It bans membership in racist organizations
It lets individuals file complaints when their rights are violated
For immigrants in London and Middlesex, you have rights and protections under international and Canadian law.
How ICERD works in Canada
When Canada signed ICERD, it agreed to include these protections in Canadian laws. This is why we have:
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 15), which guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination
The Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in federal jobs and services
The Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination in housing, jobs, and services
These laws exist partially because of agreements like ICERD. They give you fundamental protections that you can use if you face discrimination.
Recognising when your rights are being violated
Many immigrants don't report discrimination because they are unsure if what they experienced counts as discrimination or because they don't know how to report it.
Here are some everyday situations where your rights might be violated:
Being overlooked for promotion or having your work undervalued because of your race or background
Being called names or yelled at in public places
Having trouble accessing housing, healthcare, or education because of discriminatory policies
Victoria Esses, director of the Centre for Research on Migration and Ethnic Relations at Western University, explains: "You can have all the plans you want (to welcome immigrants to London and Middlesex County), but if people are not being treated properly in the community, they're going to leave."
Why this matters now more than ever
With rising racial tensions across the border, understanding your rights has never been more critical. As our neighbours see increases in hate crimes and anti-immigrant rhetoric, we need to ensure that London remains a welcoming community where immigrants can thrive.
The research from Western University found "alarming" levels of discrimination in London and Middlesex. Immigrants reported depression, health issues, career impacts, and feelings of not belonging because of the discrimination they faced.
But knowledge is power. When you understand your rights under ICERD and Canadian law, you're better equipped to recognize discrimination and take action against it.
What you can do
Here are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and help create a more welcoming community:
Report discrimination: If you experience discrimination, report it to the appropriate authorities or seek help from community organizations.
Support others: If you see someone experiencing discrimination, offer support and be a witness if they decide to report it.
Join community initiatives: Get involved with LMLIP or other community organizations working to create a more inclusive London.
Share your story: Sharing experiences of discrimination (when you feel safe doing so) can help raise awareness and bring about change.
Looking forward
As we mark ICERD's 60th anniversary, we can reflect on the progress and challenges ahead. While discrimination still exists in our community, the framework provided by ICERD gives us tools to address it.
LMLIP is committed to supporting immigrants in London and Middlesex by providing information about rights, connecting people with resources, and working to create a genuinely welcoming community where everyone is treated with respect.
You are not alone in this journey; we are here to support you. Remember that you are not alone the next time you experience or witness discrimination. You have rights, and people and organizations like LMLIP are ready to help you. LMLIP is committed to supporting immigrants in London and Middlesex by providing information about rights, connecting people with resources, and working to create a genuinely welcoming community where everyone is treated with respect.