One of the objectives of the National Association of Japanese Canadians is:
“To actively work independently and with others toward the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and related intolerances and to strive for equal rights and liberties for all persons in Canada, irrespective of and not limited to, race, colour, creed, national orgin or sex and to combat discriminatory practices directed against disadvantaged groups…”.
To this end, the NAJC has a Human Rights Committee with the primary task of dealing with human rights issues, concerns and initiatives. The Human Rights link to the website will attempt to provide information on human rights related issues relevant to Japanese Canadians
BACKGROUND ON DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION INFORMATION
Following the historic Redress Settlement on September 22, 1988, the then NAJC President Art Miki and other community leaders pointed out that the signing of the Redress Agreement was an important achievement in the history of human rights in Canada that carried with it a special responsibility. Japanese Canadians must be vigilant with regard to human rights violations and should be the first to speak up when situations occur. Other minority groups should not have to experience similar violations of their rights.
The Vancouver JCCA Human Rights Committee published a Bilingual Human Rights Guide for Japanese Canadians in 1995, which was revised and enlarged in 2003.
Human Rights Book English
Human Rights Book Japanese
It was well received by the established community, and by newcomers and visitors from Japan for whom it served as an orientation reference for the history and cultural of Japanese Canadians. The booklet provided information to those who were unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination.
The NAJC Human Rights Committee members adapted some of the information from the Vancouver guide for this online version. We developed the human rights web information in the hopes that this would assist you to be aware of your own and other’s human rights. We also hope that you will be able to recognize acts of discrimination, harassment, sexism, racism, racial profiling or any other unequal or unfair treatment, and will know how to deal with these situations.
Information at this site is provided as a service to members. The Human Rights Committee did its best to get the most current information, but the environment and regulations surrounding human rights issues are constantly changing and readers should be aware that we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Users should verify the information before acting on it. See the links under “What agencies are responsible for Human Rights Law in Canada” for further information on provincial, territorial and federal human rights bodies.
JAPANESE CULTURAL VALUES IN HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES
Historical background
The trauma of the internment and its effect upon our sense of human rights
Introduction of Democratic Principles in Japan after World War II
HISTORY OF JAPANESE CANADIANS
Early History
WWII Experience – Internment and Dispersal
Renewal – The Centennial and Redress
Japanese Canadians Today
HOW CAN HUMAN RIGHTS AND OTHER LAWS PROTECT YOU?
WHAT AGENCIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW IN CANADA?
WHAT IS “DISCRIMINATION” BASED ON HUMAN RIGHTS LAW?
WHAT AREAS ARE PROTECTED UNDER HUMAN RIGHTS LAW?
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF DISCRIMINATION?
WHAT KINDS OF DISCRIMINATION CAN OCCUR?
a) racism
b) racial discrimination
c) systemic racial discrimination
d) racial profiling
e) harassment
f) reasonable accommodation
GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN CANADA
What is the meaning of Gender Discrimination?
Where does it happen?
Why does it happen?
Are there laws against gender discrimination?
How does gender discrimination affect the Japanese Canadian community?
Other gender-based challenges
What is sexual harassment?
What is domestic violence?
Is there a relationship between gender discrimination and homophobia?
Same-sex marriage in Canada
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO DEAL WITH DISCRIMINATION AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?
