Advertisement

Canada violated human rights of undocumented irregular migrant: UN

The flags of member nations fly outside the General Assembly building at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Adam Rountree/AP via CP

OTTAWA — The federal government is reviewing a decision of the UN Human Rights Committee that says Canada violated the rights of an undocumented irregular migrant by denying her essential health care.

READ MORE: Dominic LeBlanc, new intergovernmental affairs minister, takes over irregular migration task force as tensions simmer

As part of its non-binding ruling, the UN committee says Canada has an onus to compensate Nell Toussaint for the harm she suffered.

The committee further says the Canadian government should review its national legislation to ensure that all irregular migrants have access to essential health care.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: Most Canadians say irregular border crossings are a ‘crisis,’ poll finds

Click to play video: 'Poll: Most Canadians say irregular border crossings are a ‘crisis’'
Poll: Most Canadians say irregular border crossings are a ‘crisis’

Toussaint came to Canada as a visitor from Grenada in 1999 but stayed in the country after finding a job, despite not having permission to work in Canada.

Story continues below advertisement

In 2009, Toussaint applied to the Interim Federal Health Program, which covers certain medical services for refugees or those seeking refugee status in Canada.

READ MORE: Asylum seeker claims increase in July, down year-over-year

Because her refugee claim was not active at the time and she was living as an undocumented migrant in Canada, she was denied access to the program.

In its ruling, the UN Human Rights committee found that under the optional protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, even illegal aliens have an inherent right to life.

Sponsored content

AdChoices