BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

Our newly released Rights in Focus report is a snapshot of human rights in B.C., highlighting inequities in 10 major issue areas, including housing and the climate crisis. While these issues are familiar to many of us, Rights in Focus offers a human rights-based analysis that centres the marginalized communities most deeply impacted, who are too often left out of the conversation. Our Office intends to replicate this report every three years to track how these issues change over time and highlight opportunities for progress. To read the full report, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gJaUmyqx #RightsInFocus #BCPoli #BritishColumbia #humanrights4bc

Readers of all ages are invited to participate in "Read for the Seeds," an initiative to support the creation of a seed library at the Nelson Public Library in Nelson. Participants can exchange their reading credits to contribute to this project. The event continues until December 31st, with each book read bringing the seed library closer to fruition. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gtwZj4Bt

“Those who suffer or who benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most,” —United Nations Millennium Declaration International Human Solidarity Day is a time to remind us of our shared humanity and encourage everyone—people, communities and nations—to work together on global challenges such as ending poverty and discrimination. It emphasizes that working together can make a difference. For more information please visit: https://lnkd.in/gSJfT4m #HumanRights4BC #BC #internationalhumansolidarityday

Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. PST for a free introductory virtual session on B.C.’s Human Rights Code. Explore your rights and responsibilities in housing, employment and services. Gain insights into how the Human Rights Code fits within broader human rights laws, understanding relevant terms and identifying instances of discrimination. For more information and to register, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gkFzbuTB #HumanRights4BC #BCPoli #britishcolumbia

Globally, women sex workers experience extremely high rates (45–75%) of physical and/or sexual workplace violence, according to a 2014 systematic review in the American Journal of Public Health. These numbers are staggering and serve as a reminder of our commitment to keeping communities safe from harm. On International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, we come together to honour and advocate for the safety, dignity, and human rights of those who engage in sex work. #HumanRights4BC #BC

Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo will host an information session at WorkBC Nanaimo on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The session will cover the organization's story, its impact on the community, and available resources and support for low-income residents. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/gf49zduE

We’re hiring! Are you passionate about driving strategic policy initiatives and fostering partnerships to address critical human rights issues? As a Policy Analyst (Temporary) reporting to the Manager of Policy, you will lead projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and build relationships with external experts to deliver high-quality policy analysis aimed at tackling inequality, discrimination, and injustice in B.C. To learn more, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gF-4b8_X #WorkBC #JobsBC #BCPublicService #BritishColumbia #NowHiring

The “From Hate to Hope” community colouring book is a resource to foster meaningful conversations between adults and children about building a community free from hate. Designed to promote acceptance and respect, it encourages creative expression while introducing children to these important values in an age-appropriate way. Rooted in the findings of the final report of our Inquiry into Hate in the Pandemic, the colouring book aims to confront the rise in hate by fostering a shared understanding of its impact on everyone involved. To download the colouring book and learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gRzvG7t7 #CommissionersBookClub #ColouringBook #BC #BookClub

The #CommissionersBookClub picks for December include “Lullabies for Little Criminals” by Heather O’Neill for adults and “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev for children. “Lullabies for Little Criminals” explores the struggles of children in poverty, including themes of addiction, exploitation and systemic failures. A key theme for the Commissioner is the complexity of love amid trauma, challenging stereotypes about drug use and neglect to reimagine child welfare and social services. Meanwhile, “Strictly No Elephants” gently introduces the importance of kindness and inclusion while showing how empathy and care create vibrant, welcoming communities where everyone belongs. We invite you to join us in reading these books this month! To learn more about the Commissioner’s book club, visit: https://lnkd.in/gRzvG7t7 #HumanRights4BC #BC #BookClub

B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender invites you to join her book club, a space designed to foster thoughtful conversations and help readers explore human rights through powerful stories and shared experiences. To learn more, and watch the full video, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gynBP3vG #CommissionersBookClub #InternationalHumanRightsDay #BC #BookClub