Canadian Human Rights Commission Calls for Action on Indigenous Incarceration Rates – NetNewsLedger
November 6, 2023
OTTAWA – Responding to the 50th Annual Report by the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI), the Canadian Human Rights Commission, led by Interim Chief Commissioner Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, has issued an urgent call to action regarding the disproportionate number of Indigenous individuals in federal prisons.
The Annual Report highlighted worrying statistics about the prevalence of Indigenous persons in the penal system, a concern echoed by the Human Rights Commission. The Commission’s statement underscored the distressing human rights implications for Indigenous inmates, who face harsh realities and widening disparities compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
Citing numerous complaints from Indigenous inmates, the Commission is advocating for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to adopt the OCI’s recommendations. These recommendations are geared toward improving the treatment and outcomes for Indigenous people in the criminal justice system. They include:
- Increased involvement and support for Elders within the prison environment.
- More extensive staff training on Indigenous cultural safety and awareness.
- Enhanced funding for Indigenous-run healing lodges.
