The way forward on human rights
Céline, a tenacious grassroots women’s human rights defender in Chad, once asked me, “if our views are not sought and we are not free to express them, how can we hold the government to their promises?” She has, to say the least, been outspoken in her own views and unrelenting in her own efforts to […]
Reaching every child by 2030: the promise of equity
Every child is born with the same rights to a healthy start in life, a safe, secure childhood, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. We have made tremendous progress in realizing these rights: child deaths have been reduced, more children are attending schools, and millions have been lifted out of poverty — including […]
Time to give shape to Canada’s place in the world
“Canada’s back” and “Because it’s 2015” are two phrases that have triggered a process that could reshape Canada’s image in the world. Last month, Global Affairs Canada launched a review and consultation on their proposed approach to international assistance, a process that could give meaningful shape to these phrases. The review represents potentially the most […]
It’s time Canada makes access to justice a reality for all
When a child is denied access to school, or an ailing person is shut out of a hospital, the media are quick to expose the injustice. Denial of health care or an education is unthinkable for most Canadians, yet access to justice, particularly for non-criminal issues, is out of reach for millions in this country, […]
Canada’s opportunity for refugees
“I don’t want to sit around and wait for assistance. I want to work. I want to be able to support my family.” This was a message I heard clearly from Ahmed, a father I met in Jordan who fled the conflict in Syria and is now living as a refugee. This is a universal […]
Action needed to help drought-stricken small farmers in Africa
A massive drought that has devastated huge swaths of southern and eastern Africa is putting nearly 14 million people at risk of hunger. This is a humanitarian emergency demanding immediate action. But while short-term action to address current food needs is critical, the international community must also take ambitious action to support smallholder farmers in […]
Canada’s diplomatic brass: too white, too male
The Prime Minister is a feminist and there is gender parity in cabinet, but Canada’s foreign service still has a long way to go. Sources say that the foreign service has negative gaps in regards to the number of women it employs, as well as aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities. According to a public […]
Move nutrition to the forefront of global health
One of the leading causes of disease and death is hunger, a hunger that is not always immediately recognizable. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can cause a hidden hunger that is evidenced by a range of indicators, including wasting (low weight for height) and stunting (low height for age). Even obesity can be an indicator of nutrient deficiency. […]
Canada should make education a core theme in aid policy
No nation will achieve gender equality without quality education. Economic development and education similarly go hand in hand, as does educating a nation and ensuring healthcare for all its citizens. In fact, name a worthy, large-scale goal—poverty reduction, peaceful coexistence, good governance – and you’ll find a well-established link between the ability to attain it […]
The case of a 25-year-old refugee camp
Twenty-five years ago a piece of hot, dusty countryside in northeastern Kenya became home to refugees fleeing conflict in Somalia. A generation later, the camps of Dadaab continue with an uncertain future for residents. Children have been born here who now have kids of their own. It is the third-largest population centre in Kenya and a […]
