It’s not every day that an organization welcomes such a big name in their respective field.
This year, the Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition (VIHRC) hosted B.C.'s first independent human rights commissioner, Kasari Govender, as this year’s keynote speaker at their 2024 annual general meeting. Taking place at the Victoria City Hall, she addressed the organization’s members on Sept. 10.
Among those delighted by her presence was Pamphinette Buisa, VIHRC’s managing advocate.
“We [were] thrilled to welcome commissioner Kasari Govender,” she said. “As an organization working directly with individuals facing discrimination, human rights violations, and injustices, we look forward to a fruitful discussion on the trends and issues highlighted in the report.”
Central to Govender’s talk was the report ‘Rights in Focus: Lived Realities in B.C., published by B.C.’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, on Aug. 14.
“She spoke [about] housing, the educational system, employment, health care, child welfare and different inequalities in those areas,” said Buisa.
Serving primarily as an educational tool, the executive director said the report provides an invaluable guideline for people and organizations working in the field of human rights.
Buisa highlighted that several topics during the commissioner’s address were particularly eye-opening.
“When it came to the right to housing there was a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups including people with disabilities, indigenous people and women,” said Buisa. “When it came to education, it was quite shocking for me to see how only 78 per cent of students with disabilities and 75 per cent of Indigenous students are finishing or completing secondary school.”
VIHRC is a community organization with a mission to promote and strengthen local human rights in BC through advocacy, education and community partnerships.
Since 1983, the non-profit has provided clients with information and assistance for bringing human rights complaints to the BC Human Rights Tribunal, along with support letters, training, and education in human rights.
For more information about the VIHRC or to become a member, visit vihrc.com.
