Today, Angela Marinos (Chief General Counsel, RWCHR) appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada to advance Canada’s multiple international law obligations in relation to women’s rights to live free from domestic violence.
The Ahluwalia case is about whether a new tort of family violence should be recognised. Our submissions addressed Canada’s multiple international law obligations in relation to women’s rights to live free from domestic violence, analysed how Canada’s international law obligations have been considered in domestic jurisprudence in the family law context, and situated these obligations within the broader context of Canada’s stated commitment to implement a feminist policy agenda, which includes combatting gender-based violence.
“The seriousness of domestic violence has been consistently and repeatedly recognised by various international bodies and courts that have affirmed that domestic violence is cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. These international sources are not simply lofty ideals or aspirations but binding legal obligations and commitments to address gender-based violence, including family violence. Ultimately the full realisation of human rights cannot happen when women and children are not safe in their own homes and where their homes are places of danger and harm.” – Angela Marinos, (Chief General Counsel, RWCHR)
Watch the proceedings here.
About the RWCHR’s Domestic Work
As a Canada-based international human rights organization founded by a long-time parliamentarian, we champion cases and causes that promote justice, inclusion, and safety for Canadians, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
Our Chief General Counsel, Angela Marinos, leads our groundbreaking domestic legal work in defence of vulnerable Canadians, including by intervening in consequential cases before the Supreme Court.
