Resisting Colonial Gender-based Violence

Gender 305 Gender and International Human Rights

Our podcast's central focus is on Indigenous women's rights and the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. We specifically concentrate on combating violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada and how these endeavors intersect with international law and policies. Despite the existence of international human rights laws and conventions, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Vienna Declaration, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, there are significant challenges and gaps in ensuring the protection of Indigenous women's rights and the eradication of gender-based violence. The devastating consequences stemming from these challenges demand immediate attention and action. Concerted efforts must be made to address these issues comprehensively and effectively.

Gender-based violence against Indigenous women and girls is universal, and addressing it needs to be a priority. Vulnerable people and communities need to be protected, and government/officials need to be held accountable. As mentioned earlier, Canada has signed various conventions and treaties. The ongoing violence directed at Indigenous women; indicates they have not followed through on upholding these. As a first world country, this demonstrates to others that this is not a priority and lays a foundation for other countries that they can continue to neglect human rights. By raising awareness, we hope to encourage others to push for action, demand change, and support initiatives that promote gender equality and protect marginalized communities.

References
Buffie, N. (2023, September 17). ‘Search the landfill’ protests planned across Canada for Monday. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/9967221/search-the-landfill-protests-planned-canada/

CBC News. (2018, September 26). Missing and Murdered: The Unsolved Cases of Indigenous Women and Girls. https://www.cbc.ca/missingandmurdered/

McDiarmid, J. (2019). Highway of Tears: A true story of racism, indifference and the pursuit of justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Doubleday Canada. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/548115/highway-of-tears-by-jessica-mcdiarmid/9
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Meeches, L., Irving, K., Gibson, R. (Executive Producers). (2016-2019). Taken [TV Docu-series]. Eagle Vision; CBC Gem. https://gem.cbc.ca/taken

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2007). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UN General Assembly, A/RES/71/32. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/UNDRIPManualForNHRIs.pdf

Smiley, M. (Director). (2015). Highway of Tears. [Film] Finesse Films & Paracas Independent
Films. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2175928/?ref_=adv_li_tt

Snyder, E., Napoleon, V., & Borrows, J. (2015). Gender and Violence: Drawing on Indigenous Legal Resources. U.B.C Law Review, 48(2) 593-654.

The World Conference on Human Rights Vienna. (1993). Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. UN General Assembly, A/CONF.157/23.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-programme-action

Tsosie, R. (2010). "Indigenous Women and International Human Rights Law: The Challenges of Colonialism, Cultural Survival, and Self-Determination.” UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs, 15(1), 187-238.

United Nations General Assembly. (1979). Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, 1-10. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-elimination-all-forms-discrimination-against-women