Kraus described Journal student editors as “passionate and hardworking people.” Work on Volume 13.1 began with the 2024 / 2025 board of editors, he explained. “I want to make sure to thank Carly Lafond and Jeremy Tran for their dedication as our senior editors throughout [those] years,” said Kraus.
He also acknowledged the junior editors and those who provided important support to the CJHR, including Lily Deardorff (technical and production) and Matthew Renaud (Liaison Librarian) and Editor-in-Chief Dr. Donn Short, who oversees the CJHR’s overall editorial process and conducts the final edit of each article prior to publication.
Impactful lessons on Human Rights
One of the most impactful lessons Kraus learned from working on the Journal was, “to understand that these human right issues across Canada — many of which were new concepts to us as students — were not only just theoretical concepts but also lived experiences. It provided us with a deeper appreciation of the impact behind these human rights issues brought to light by our authors.”
When asked what he found most compelling about each article in this volume, Kraus was nearly overwhelmed. “There is so much to talk about – where do I start?” he said, sharing mini reviews of each:
Paul T. Clarke & Robyn Trask, “Recent Challenges to Teacher Professionalism in Canada’s Public Secular Schools: Public Statements, Polices and Legislation that Undermine Teachers’ Efforts to Treat 2SLGBTQIA+ Students with Dignity and Respect” (2025) 13:1 Can J Hum Rts 155
“Paul T. Clarke & Robyn Trask’s article really emphasizes the significance of the challenges teachers face while trying to maintain their professional duties. After all, it is a teacher’s duty to treat all their students with the respect they deserve and create a safe environment for kids to learn. It is a shame then that many parties, including governments or even parents, put pressure on teachers to compromise their capacity to provide a safe and welcoming school environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. This article addresses hard questions surrounding these pressures, such as when do teachers, school boards or members of the public need to take a stand in the face of moral panic?”
Stephen Flaherty, “The Guardians of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario” (2025) 13:1 Can J Hum Rts 57
“Steven Flaherty describes a classic story of a governmental institution being overhauled with the promise of improved efficiency but merely resulting in what can nearly be equated to a side grade. What makes his article really interesting is how he provides an in-depth study, comparing the current tribunal to its predecessor — especially since he has the unique perspective as a former member of the prior version of the tribunal. I also appreciate that he gives such fitting and slightly humorous analogies to the challenges the institution faces, which makes for a great read.”
Sandrine Ampleman-Tremblay, “The Viens Inquiry: At the Intersection of State Control, Police Sexual Violence and Accountability” (2025) 13:1 Can J Hum Rts 93
“Sandrine Ampleman-Tremblay focuses on the contradiction of a government body investigating the same government’s actions. When an inquiry constraints participation and fails to perceive the full breadth of the issues at hand, who will hold it accountable?”
Justine Monette-Tremblay, “Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and Victims’ Need for Justice: The Unfulfilled Promises Behind the Rhetoric of a “Victim-Oriented” Justice” (2025) 13:1 Can J Hum Rts 129
“Justine Monette-Tremblay’s article is rather interesting because it provides a relatively unique critique on how Truth and Reconciliation Commissions fall short of being “victim-oriented” in certain aspects. She argues that, while TRC’s can be beneficial, they do not meet the criteria to be qualified as restorative justice from the victims’ points of view.”
Frédéric Mégret, “Just Criticism? Human Rights, Inter-State Relations and the Ethics of Finger Pointing” (2025) 13:1 Can J Hum Rts 1
“And finally, Frédéric Mégret’s article is an interesting think tank on what constitutes just criticism of human rights. Does it matter who gives the critique? How important does motive of a party play a role? Can a state provide a just critique of another despite their past histories or current relations? If you’re a fan of thought-provoking works, or if you’re just curious about the topic, then this article is for you!”
Passion and enthusiasm
Working with such passion and enthusiasm on the CJHR, the student editors hope that readers will take away important lessons and insights. “When we publish each article, we endeavour to highlight contemporary academic human rights issues that persist within Canada or abroad,” Kraus reflected. “Our hope is to bring attention to these important issues and, where posed, the potential solutions that could be adopted going forward. It is also a fantastic and entertaining way for readers to get familiar with of some of the very talented authors in our academic legal community. So, simply put, we hope that each time everyone picks up a new volume of ours to read, that they learn something new about human rights issues in Canada and beyond.”
The 2024 – 2025 editorial board for Volume 13.1consisted of the following individuals:
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Donn Short
Senior Editors
Carly Lafond
Jeremy Tran
Editors
Yomna Eid
Marianne Hofmann
Cori Lee
Sparsh Kohli
Alexander Kraus
Pavel Shetra
Summer Editor
Kaitlyn Mitchell
Assistant Editors
Kristine Ward
Emilie Wiens
Nickolas Yankech
The CJHR is published by Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. The journal is a peer-reviewed forum for scholars to explore concerns in human rights and humanitarian law and policy relevant to Canadian society. In addition to traditional legal scholarship, the CJHR welcomes submissions from varying disciplines, including the liberal arts and social sciences.
