Forum of Ministers on Human Rights

REGINA, May 21, 2026

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for human rights concluded a meeting of the Forum of Ministers on Human Rights (FMHR) in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 21, 2026. The FMHR was preceded by a Day of Dialogue. The meetings were co-hosted by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan.

This year's meeting was held in the context of unique challenges to the international human rights landscape where the UN human rights system and respect for its mechanisms in place to protect human rights are at risk. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, and the Honourable Tim McLeod K.C., Saskatchewan Minister of Justice and Attorney General, led discussions with provincial and territorial counterparts.

Ministers noted that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Canada’s accession to the two covenants of the International Bill of Human Rights: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This anniversary underscores the importance of these instruments and continued collaboration across FPT governments in implementing human rights obligations in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

The International Landscape on Human Rights

Ministers engaged with a legal expert on the implementation of international human rights obligations within a federal system where governments have shared and distinct areas of jurisdiction.  

Ministers heard from and exchanged views with Canada’s Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in Geneva and New York. The Permanent Representatives focused on Canada’s international human rights priorities in an increasingly volatile and changing global geopolitical landscape, while underlining how Canada is a leader in human rights globally, including in the context in which Canada is seeking election at the UN for a seat at the Human Rights Council (2028-30 term).

Recommendations by UN Human Rights Bodies: FPT Follow-Up and Implementation

Since the 2023 FMHR, Canada appeared before the United Nations to present Canada’s 4th report of the Universal Periodic Review, 10th report on the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, the combined 2nd and 3rd report on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the 7th report on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The recommendations received following the appearances informed ministers’ exchanges on best practices and challenges related to the consideration of human rights treaty body recommendations as well as the priorities identified by their respective governments in follow-up to these appearances.

Discussions also focused on the recommendations of treaty bodies, particularly in relation to addressing discrimination and violence against marginalized groups and reducing socioeconomic barriers and poverty. Ministers discussed human rights-based approaches and exchanged best practices for advancing efforts within their governments or departments. They agreed to continue sharing best practices for strengthening human rights in Canada and identified areas for potential opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration, respecting constitutional roles and respective priorities.

Mechanisms for Implementation and Reporting on International Human Rights

Ministers discussed Canada’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-Up and reaffirmed its important role. This included specific initiatives within federal, provincial and territorial governments, including best practices shared by some jurisdictions for their implementation and follow-up related to Canada’s international human rights obligations, as applicable.

Ministers agreed to continue to evaluate and adapt the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ National Recommendations Tracking Database to support follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review and to expand its scope to include recommendations arising from the seven international human rights treaties to which Canada is a party.

Adherence to Additional International Human Rights Treaties

Ministers of all provinces and territories confirmed their support for the ratification of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belém do Pará), and recognized this achievement as a significant milestone on the path toward ratification.

Ministers agreed to continue intergovernmental collaboration in examining Canada’s potential adherence to additional international human rights treaties.

Ministers adopted the Protocol for FPT Consultations on the Potential Adherence to International Human Rights Treaties.

Ministers further adopted the 2026-28 Strategic Framework for the FPT Table on Human Rights.

Ministers welcomed the next provincial-territorial co-chair of the FPT Table on Human Rights, the Honourable Niki Sharma, K.C., British Columbia Attorney General and Deputy Premier.

Engagement with Indigenous representatives, civil society organizations, and human rights commissions

On May 20, ahead of the FPT ministers’ meeting, a Day of Dialogue was held with representatives from Indigenous organizations, civil society, youth, and human rights commissions. Discussions focused on progress and ongoing challenges in advancing human rights in Canada, highlighting implementation gaps and the need for measurable actions, dedicated resources, and stronger engagement on international human rights treaty commitments.

Indigenous representatives emphasized the importance of supporting self-determination and addressing systemic barriers they face. Civil society organizations and human rights commissions stressed the importance of collaboration among FPT governments, communities, and key stakeholders, as well as the value of sustainable frameworks and robust data to monitor progress and address discrimination. They noted the importance of using rights-based approaches early in legislative, policy, and program development to support systemic, long-term improvements.

Ministers present reaffirmed the commitment of their respective governments to advancing human rights, stakeholder engagement, and reconciliation, and agreed to bring back the comments received during these discussions for consideration.

Quotes

“We are living in a time of rapid change, in a world that is becoming increasingly fragmented, complex and volatile. That is precisely why protecting human rights and standing firmly by our values matters more than ever. Through our collaborative work at the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Table on Human Rights, we are ensuring that Canada continues to advance and lead on human rights here at home, and around the world, under Canada's National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up.” 

—The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages 

“This forum matters because it brings governments together to act, working to move from human rights commitments into real action for people across Canada. We recognize how important it is to advance the domestic implementation of Canada’s international human rights obligations.”

-The Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Saskatchewan was pleased to host the Day of Dialogue and the Forum of Ministers on Human Rights, and to contribute to a coordinated approach on human rights issues that affect people in our province and across Canada. The Forum reinforced our shared commitment to advancing human rights through cooperation, respect for jurisdiction, and meaningful dialogue with partners across all levels of government.”

—The Honourable Tim McLeod K.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General – Saskatchewan

Associated Links

• Protocol for FPT Consultations on the Potential Adherence to International Human Rights Treaties (Link forthcoming)
• Protocol For Follow-Up to Recommendations Received from International Human Rights Bodies 
• Engagement Strategy on International Human Rights Reporting Process 
• 2023 News Release 

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
media@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957-4207
media@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca