What We Do

Since its inception in 1983, VIHRC has played an important role in the human rights landscape on Vancouver Island. We assist people who have experienced discrimination under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

VIHRC assists individuals through:

  • Communicating with police, government, organizations, corporations, or other individuals regarding clients’ human rights.

  • Assisting individuals to access information regarding their human rights.

  • Supporting and assisting in filing human rights complaints with the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

 

Your ally in human rights advocacy.

Empowering a more just and equitable world through individual support, education, and community.

 
 

Our Mission

Advocacy

To collaborate with individuals to effectively advocate for their human rights using tools, education, and support.

Education

To make human rights accessible through public legal education and outreach.

Support

To partner with community organizations to deliver services and provide education as well as referrals where appropriate.

 

Our Values

1. Helping people.

We believe in the inherent dignity of every person. We use trauma-informed practice to directly support individuals and empower them to advocate for their human rights.

2. Creating accessible justice.

We believe that human rights should be accessible, understandable, and enforceable. We offer inclusive support and education to realize human rights for everyone in BC.

3. Building community partnerships.

We believe that we’re stronger together. We work with other organizations to reach marginalized communities and build inclusive networks.

 
 
“Human rights are fundamentally about human dignity. At the heart of human rights is equality.”
— Kasari Govender, B.C. Human Rights Commissioner
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, VIHRC does not offer legal advice or serve as legal representation. Our advocates provide guidance and assistance in submitting applications to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

  • We work with individuals in the Vancouver Island area (Victoria, Lower Island and Gulf Islands), as well as the province of British Columbia as a whole.

  • No, VIHRC provides advice and information to the public free of charge. We do not have income qualifiers.

We would like to acknowledge that the lands on which the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition office is located, are the traditional territorial lands of the Lekwungen peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). We thank the Lekwungen peoples for allowing us to work and assist those in need, on their lands.