Which international document binds Canada to human rights standards?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a foundational international document that establishes a broad range of fundamental human rights standards recognized globally. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, it sets forth principles that advocate for the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals, which has influenced many national constitutions and legal frameworks.

While Canada is not legally bound by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the same way it is by treaties, the Declaration has played a significant role in shaping Canadian values on human rights and has underpinned many domestic human rights laws and policies. Its principles are often referenced in discussions and interpretations of human rights laws within Canada.

In contrast, the other options represent different legal frameworks. The Canadian Bill of Rights is a federal statute that protects certain rights and freedoms within Canada's jurisdiction but is not an international document. The 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is a binding treaty that Canada has ratified and thus is legally obliged to uphold, making it a legitimate answer as well. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, part of the Constitution Act, 1982, provides a framework for rights and freedoms within Canada specifically, but like the Bill of Rights, it is not an international document.

Therefore, while the Universal