How human rights disputes are resolved - now.

Why change?

Human rights disputes are usually emotional, complex and urgent.  They need to be resolved fairly, effectively, and promptly.  When we asked our clients, many of them told us it took too long to resolve their disputes.  They also said relationships had been damaged because of the disputes.

Changes to the way human rights disputes are resolved has meant the people involved help find solutions, with a focus on restoring and repairing relationships.  And those solutions now happen faster.

1. What are the changes?

Most human rights complaints are now resolved through a new process called a Resolution Conference.  Here’s how it works:

• When a complaint is made, a date is chosen to bring all parties together.  This can include anyone directly involved or affected by the dispute.  The Commission may identify and bring additional people from the community who can contribute to the resolution of the complaint.
• All participants at the resolution conference may share their perspectives and talk about what matters to them.
• Most times, participants are be helped to create their own solution to the complaint.  A settlement agreement is written describing a solution that satisfies the main parties to the complaint.
• If an agreement is not reached, information from the resolution conference is used to make a recommendation to Commissioners , who may dismiss the complaint or send it to a Board of Inquiry.

Sometimes a resolution conference isn’t the best way to resolve a problem. Other forms of mediation or other ways of investigating a complaint may take place. Most complaints will be resolved through resolution conferences.

2. When did these changes begin?

Resolution conferences have been held since January 2012. Many complaints already under investigation were scheduled for resolution conferences, or the ongoing investigations were continued. The conferences have proved to be a good way for many parties in the human rights complaints to feel acknowledged and get satisfying answers to their concerns.

3. Are more details available?

All these changes are guided by new policies which came into effect January 1, 2012. Click on the policy title to view it.

1. Inquiry

2. File Evaluation

3. Resolution Conferences

4. Alternative Investigation Methods

5. Recommendations

6. Settlement Initiatives (already in force)

7. Submissions to Recommendations

8. Priority Files

9. Extensions, Reconsiderations and Appeals

10. Conflict of Interest and Bias

11. Systemic Discrimination

12. File Maintenance

Glossary of Terms