Canadians generally optimistic about human rights, despite challenges: poll
CTV
Two-thirds of Canadians are optimistic about where human rights are headed in this country, but there is growing pessimism about the state of rights abroad, a new survey found.
Two-thirds of Canadians are optimistic about where human rights are headed in this country, but there is growing pessimism about the state of rights abroad, a new survey found.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg released its second survey on the topic as it seeks to ensure its exhibits match Canadians' concerns.
In an increasingly polarized world, museum CEO Isha Khan said she is encouraged that the poll suggests a majority of people share a common sense of social responsibility.
"I think particularly now when we feel polarized, we feel divided in so many ways; it was really heartwarming to see that two-thirds of Canadians felt optimistic about human rights in Canada and about the protections we have here," she said.
"It felt good to see that 74 per cent of people believe that they have a collective responsibility to care for one another. I mean, that's huge at a time where it's really easy to spend time thinking about some really horrific things going on in the world."
The outlook on human rights among Canadians appears to be less rosy on what's happening abroad, with only one-third of respondents saying they are optimistic about the trajectory of rights internationally.
Respondents say war and violence are the key drivers of this pessimism, followed by sexism and women's rights.
