Canadian authorities have failed to adequately protect the rights of aboriginal people, Amnesty International says in its annual report.

The assessment of human rights around the world covers a number of issues, but the critique of Canada focuses largely on aboriginal issues.

The report, which covers January-December 2009, says Canadian officials "failed to ensure respect for indigenous rights" when issuing mining, logging and resource extraction licences.

The organization, which has previously criticized Canada's stance on aboriginal rights, highlights oil and gas developments that have been carried out in northern Alberta without the consent of the Lubicon Cree.

The report also mentions the prevalence of violence against aboriginal women in Canada and the lack of a plan to address it, and says the government is making "baseless claims" that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples does not apply to Canada.

A spokesperson for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada said the federal department has received the report and is reviewing it before commenting.

Security concerns

The report notes the Afghan detainee controversy and that Omar Khadr remains in U.S. custody in Guantanamo Bay, despite a Federal Court ruling that Canada should seek his repatriation.

The organization also points out that Canada refuses to provide individuals detained under immigration security certificates with access to much of the evidence against them.

The report says one person died after being stunned by a police Taser during the year, but also mentions that the RCMP has revised its policy on Taser use.

Amnesty International's annual report documents human rights issues in 159 countries. Internationally, the report focuses on accountability for human rights abuses, urging governments to "fully sign up" to the International Criminal Court.

The 430-page report also examines other issues, including:

  • Mass evictions of people from their homes in Africa.
  • Rights abuses in Sri Lanka during clashes between the military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
  • Increased reports of violence against women in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Jamaica.
  • A sharp rise in racism and intolerance in parts of Europe and Central Asia.
With files from The Canadian Press