Our Mission

ICJ Canada was established in 1958 as a national section of the International Commission of Jurists, with the following objectives:

• promote the rule of law and the right to a fair trial and to ensure the independence of the judiciary;
  
  
• expose and denounce violations of justice and freedom whenever and wherever they occur; and
  
  
• ensure that the fundamental freedoms of discussion of public affairs, freedom of association and freedom of assembly and of elections shall not be violated.

To this day, ICJ Canada continues the great ICJ mission of promoting the cause of international human rights and the rule of law throughout the world. We are an independent, non-governmental, non-partisan organization, and a registered Canadian charity. 

The ICJ provides legal expertise at both the international and national levels to ensure that developments in international law adhere to human rights principles, and to ensure that international standards are implemented at the national level. As the Canadian section of ICJ, we support the activities of ICJ Geneva; participate in ICJ missions; carry out research initiatives; organize lectures and panel discussions; and, through the Tarnopolsky award, honour individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights. We endeavour to foster a culture of respect for human rights among members of the legal profession, and in Canadian society more broadly.

Our commitment to human rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and independence of the judiciary has been steadfast since the establishment of our organization.