RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Creation of a Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 1: An independent commission — one that has an allocated budget — will permit open and candid commentary on the human rights performance of the government and elected officials within B.C. An independent commission reporting to the Legislature is the gold standard in human rights protection.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Creation of a Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 2: Bureaucratic structures can sometimes fall victim to their size and related processes. A theme that emerged in my conversations was the need for a new commission to be streamlined and efficient. A dynamic and visionary single commissioner was recommended by a number of stakeholders and I see the wisdom in taking this approach for British Columbia.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Purpose of the new Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 3: Broadly speaking, the B.C. government will look to the Human Rights Commission to educate British Columbians on their human rights; lead or inspire research in the field; and develop guidelines and policies that promote human rights. British Columbians will look to the commission to initiate inquiries of relevance to society and publish special reports. It should be proactive in its push for greater human rights for all by initiating, supporting and sustaining change with a particular focus on the root causes of ongoing discrimination and inequality.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Purpose of the new Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 4: I heard from British Columbians that they look to their governments to be role models for inclusiveness and anti-discriminatory practices. We know that this is not always how things turn out. Through the commission’s research, investigation — including the power to require the production of information and data — and policy functions, it should address decisions taken by governments. If a commission reaches a conclusion that a systemic human rights issue exists in B.C., it should formally recommend corrective measures. Like the B.C. Ombudsperson, the commission should have the ability to report to the Legislature if it determines that no suitable action has been taken.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 5: 5. Act as a resource and training centre for both public sector and non-governmental bodies.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 6: With the recommendation that the commission engage in research and education, I feel that the commission will be better situated than the tribunal to assess and approve these types of programs aimed at improving equality. In addition, its outreach and partnership role with community organizations will facilitate special programming, as well as provide real opportunities to accurately assess their effectiveness.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 7: The Australian Human Rights Commission has addressed systemic issues regarding race, disability, children’s rights and gender identity. The Danish Institute for Human Rights has recently published a paper on “Hate Speech in the Public Online Debate.” In Scotland, the Human Rights Commission developed a training video to improve police understanding about the trauma domestic violence victims face and the resulting impact that trauma can have on their investigations. These are just a few examples that the new commission should consider in addressing systemic discrimination in B.C.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 8: With its recommended independence, it is hoped that the commission will look to international obligations and undertake initiatives that promote compliance with international treaties and norms in a manner that will serve the best purpose for the ultimate promotion and protection of human rights in B.C.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 9: It is important to recognize that human rights matters often involve some of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. Some individuals may not have access to the Internet, or may have barriers that prevent them from accessing it, or may not feel familiar or comfortable enough to use it. The application of technology within the human rights context should be done with a goal of expanding access to those who have the capability and capacity to use it, thereby freeing up person-to-person services for those that do not. It should include online-guided resources to legal information, self-help tools, early resolution tools, digital legal services and the human supports required by disadvantaged persons to justify rights and to inform others of their human rights obligations.

RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO A NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Functions of the Human Rights Commission

Recommendation 10: British Columbia has an influential and well-developed body of non-government agencies, business and professional associations, and well-respected academic institutions. By working with them and facilitating open discussions among them, the Human Rights Commission will gain an ongoing, clear understanding of the needs and desires of British Columbians.