ONWA Amplifying the Rights of Indigenous Women at the 145th UN Human Rights Committee

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the 145^th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee at Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland from March 2 – 4, 2026. The UN Human Rights Committee monitors Canada’s and other governments’ implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – a legally binding treaty that protects human rights. At this session, Canada will be undergoing its seventh review. This is an important opportunity for ONWA to hold the Canadian government accountable to upholding Indigenous women’s inherent rights and to ensure that Indigenous women’s voices and perspectives are heard and included in the review process.

“It is essential for Indigenous women to be present at Canada’s CCPR review. We are urging the Canadian government to respectfully commit to comprehensive, rights-based approaches developed in true partnership with Indigenous women. Our place at human rights and decision-making tables is essential.” - Cora McGuire-Cyrette, ONWA CEO

“I am honoured to be part of ONWA’s delegation to the UN for the ICCPR review of Canada. ONWA is calling for strong, enforceable recommendations to Canada, real follow-up timelines, and an independent Indigenous-led human rights mechanism. Our rights are not symbolic, they require accountability, implementation, and the full participation of Indigenous women.” - Stephanie Mikki Adams, ONWA Board Member

ONWA will be advocating for Canada to take immediate and enhanced action to address ongoing human rights violations and restore Indigenous women’s leadership and self-determination. Specifically,  ONWA will raise the need for Indigenous women and our organizations to be included in decision-making, for Canada to prioritize Indigenous women’s safety and take action to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), for Canada to fully eliminate sex discrimination in the Indian Act, and the need to address the overrepresentation and treatment of Indigenous women in the criminal justice system.

“Indigenous women continue to provide recommendations - it’s time for Canada to recognize its responsibilities. Indigenous women continue to experience unsafety, and the rights of Indigenous women continue to be undermined. It’s time to act - ensure Indigenous women's voices and experiences must be heard and met with action.” - Mandy Tait-Martens, ONWA Director of Community Services

The Human Rights Committee has championed Indigenous women’s rights over the last 50 years. By attending the Human Rights Committee’s review of Canada, ONWA is seeking to urge the Committee to continue to hold Canada accountable for its obligations to Indigenous women under the ICCPR. In the face of geopolitical tensions, Canada must remain committed to the protection of human rights guaranteed under international law – this includes the civil and political rights of Indigenous women across Canada.

Read ONWA’s report to the Human Rights Committee on Canada’s seventh review: tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2FCCPR%2FCSS%2FCAN%2F68638&Lang=en