Documenting six decades of Canadian engagement within the UN human rights system, this book offers insights into the complexity and nuance of Canadian diplomacy as well as the evolution of UN’s universal human rights project.

Foreword / Alex NeveIntroduction1 Ideologies, Interests, and the “Impracticalities” of International Human Rights Law, 1946–542 Tackling Racial Discrimination, 1963–653 Tehran and the Struggle for Control of the UN Human Rights Agenda, 1967–684 Gross Violations and the Foxes that Guard the Hen House, 1975–795 The Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 1982–846 Apartheid and the Perils of Casting Stones, 1989–937 Equality Rights and the Prohibition of Violence against Women, 1991–948 Mass Insecurity and the Demise of the Commission, 1995–2006ConclusionNotes; Selected Bibliography; Index

This is a well-researched and fair-minded account of how Canada contributed to and interfered with the operations of the UNCHR at different points in its evolution. In it, Canada is revealed to be a state like most others: sometimes forward thinking and sometimes retrogressive. It is a balanced portrayal that neither glorifies Canada’s role nor seeks to “deconstruct” it in a superficially critical way.

In looking deeply into Canadian diplomacy, Andrew S. Thompson shines a light on the inconsistencies of Canadian policy-makers as they struggled to advance human rights globally, while being reluctant to submit Canadian practice to international scrutiny. Nonetheless, he finds that Canada has usually been on the side of the angels, a happier place than the alternative. -- Paul Heinbecker, former Canadian ambassador, permanent representative to the UN, and distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation This is a well-researched and fair-minded account of how Canada contributed to and interfered with the operations of the UNCHR at different points in its evolution. In it, Canada is revealed to be a state like most others: sometimes forward thinking and sometimes retrogressive. It is a balanced portrayal that neither glorifies Canada's role nor seeks to "deconstruct" it in a superficially critical way. -- Stephen J. Toope, former president and vice-chancellor of UBC and director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto Andrew S. Thompson has written a fascinating account of the evolving role Canada has played in the United Nations human rights system since the 1940s. Deeply researched and written with aplomb, On the Side of the Angels will have considerable impact. -- William Schabas, OC, professor of international law, Middlesex University London