219 search results for
Accessibility
Recommendation 7:
Academic scholarship and policy papers focused on children’s rights to representation point to the need for increased funding from government sources, to provide consistent and dependable counsel for children (Bala & Birnbaum, 2019; Byrne & Lundy, 2019; Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, 2016; Collins, 2019). However, it is also notable that none of this literature provides specific guidance as to where extra funding should be sourced or how new programming may be implemented to maintain both efficient and effective legal assistance for children to facilitate the expression of their views in a legal setting. In particular, the CBA Alternative Report (2020) suggests that in B.C., absolutely no funding is set aside for children’s representation (p. 33). This is particularly problematic in relation to immigrant, refugee, and Indigenous children (CBA, 2020). This may be the case for two reasons: 1) an overall lack of resources (particularly given the current local and international economic climate in the wake of Covid-19 – see Garlen, 2020); and/or 2) a lack of awareness at the federal level of the critical importance of this issue, and the ‘domino effect’ of reduced rights for vulnerable populations. As a result, it is recommended that policy organisations focused on this issue work to demonstrate whether and how additional funding can be allocated to children’s legal representation. In New Zealand, for example, the Family Court (Supporting Families in Court) Legislation Bill forms part of a $62 million package that restores the right to legal representation at the start of a care of children dispute in the Family Court (Government of New Zealand, 2020, p. 1). Enhanced attention and funding at the federal level can only benefit both those organisations focused on this area, as well as beneficiary populations.
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Recommendation 5:
A Provincial Policy on harm reduction which should include:
- a directive to deprioritize simple possession of controlled substances and an overview of the harms of confiscating substances (including alcohol) from people with addictions and limited resources;
- a directive to never confiscate new or used syringes, naloxone, and other harm reduction and overdose prevention supplies;
- a statement that harm reduction supplies, whether new or used, are not a basis for search or investigation; and
- a directive that local police forces work with service providers to develop bubble zones around safe consumption sites, overdose prevention sites, and other harm reduction sites, taking into consideration policing practices that may deter access including visible presence, arrests in close proximity, undercover operations in and near, and surveillance of people using the service.
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Recommendation 25:
Offer specialized training to BCHRT staff and tribunal members, starting with recommendations of the TRC, to reduce and eliminate procedural barriers that Indigenous Peoples face in accessing BCHRT services. The goal should be to develop cultural competency and safety.
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Recommendation 16:
Offer human rights clinics in remote regions (going back regularly) to both teach about human rights and to assist with filing claims. Approach law schools for options to work jointly in providing these clinics regionally and to create regional expertise.
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Recommendation 15:
Policy work moving forward should prioritize connectivity as a safety necessity for anti-violence work and emergency preparedness. This involves actions such as:
- Ensuring that emergency alerts can reach all Canadians, especially those in areas that are increasingly impacted by climate change-aggravated disasters (infrastructure issues)
- Organizing collaborative emergency planning with participation from a variety of sectors including, for instance, the private sector – particularly companies with access to connectivity technology and infrastructure – and anti-violence organizations. As pointed out by the report, this planning should be informed by and reflect Indigenous land knowledge and practices.
- Researching and investing in sustainable and ecologically wise connectivity infrastructure that is resilient to climate change to ensure the maximum possible protection of community members’ wellbeing, especially those most vulnerable to post-crisis violence.
- Researching and developing a plan for women who need to call emergency services for experiences of violence but have no phone or internet as a result of the disaster
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Recommendation 7:
Consider these recommendations remedial measures, and implement active and concerted efforts to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous complainants accessing the BCHRT. Create an affirmative access program for Indigenous Peoples.
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Recommendation 43:
Develop a website using plain and easily accessible language to provide Indigenous Peoples with information and to guide them through stages of the application process. The website should feature case-based examples, specific to Indigenous Peoples; short videos to illustrate the BCHRT process; and a guide to help people through the BCHRT process.
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Recommendation 37:
Assess time extension requests with a trauma-informed lens and consider any circumstances Indigenous applicants raise tied to Indigenous traditions or ways of approaching conflict (such as attempts at relationship repair or restoration).
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Recommendation 35:
Use plain language, easily understood by the average person with a grade five education, when communicating with complainants. Review communications, including forms and template letters, to ensure that they use plain language.
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Recommendation 29:
Adopt a trauma-informed practice overall, including for assessing and accommodating delays or requests for extensions. The BCHRT staff and tribunal members should be provided with training on how trauma may impact Indigenous Peoples’ actions or interactions within the BCHRT system.
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