National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: A Call to End Violence and Uphold Human Rights

On the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the NWT Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities and families affected by the ongoing tragedy of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people across Canada. This day serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to address systemic discrimination, inequality, and violence, which have disproportionately impacted Indigenous women and girls for generations.

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is not just a matter of public safety—it is a profound human rights violation. Indigenous women and girls continue to face higher rates of violence, trafficking, and murder compared to non-Indigenous women in Canada. This violence is rooted in colonialism, systemic racism, and gender-based discrimination, and addressing it requires a national commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights for all.

The NWT Human Rights Commission urges governments and organizations to re-examine the findings of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and continue working to implement the Calls for Justice. These calls for justice provide a roadmap for addressing the root causes of violence, improving the safety and security of Indigenous women and girls, and advancing efforts of reconciliation.

We must continue to listen to the voices of survivors, families, and communities and amplify their stories. Governments, institutions, and individuals must take concrete actions to call out and put an end to gender-based violence and uphold the rights and dignity of Indigenous women and girls.

On this National Day of Action, we honour the memories of the missing and murdered, and we stand with their families in their quest for justice. The NWT Human Rights Commission encourages systemic changes that enable Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people to live free from violence and discrimination.

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