Comprehensive Review Findings

NWT Human Rights Commission Releases Comprehensive Review Findings

A comprehensive review of the NWT Human Rights Commission has recommended the NWT move away from the current adversarial (court-like) process to one that is characterized as restorative. The review team also made a number of recommendations for changes to the structure, process and legislation currently in place. The Human Rights Working Group, with members from the Adjudication Panel, Commission and Director’s office, is currently studying the report and developing a plan for implementing the recommendations.  The plan, along with the comprehensive review team’s final report, will be presented to the Legislative Assembly in the fall or winter session of 2015-16.

The review took place during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The review team examined the implementation of the NWT Human Rights Act to identify and recommend any necessary changes to the current legislation and processes.

We have identified that too often the current system does not fairly and thoroughly resolve human rights issues.  All three agencies created by the NWT Human Rights Act have committed to use the recommendations from the report to make the process better. We will also work to create a more comprehensive approach to human rights in order to address broader issues of systemic discrimination.

The future of human rights in the Northwest Territories is important for everyone. We are looking to the people of the NWT and our communities to help us strengthen our relationships throughout the Territory in order to build a stronger, healthier, more inclusive society.

A summary of the report and recommendations and the final report are both available.

To learn more about the NWT Human Rights Commission, visit nwthumanrights.ca, call us at 867-669-5575 or join us on Facebook facebook.com/nwthrc

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