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Human rights protection

Last updated on December 23, 2024

British Columbia has a law to protect and promote human rights. It is called the B.C. Human Rights Code or the Code. The Code helps to protect you from discrimination and harassment.

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About the B.C. Human Rights Code

The independent Human Rights Tribunal is responsible for dealing with complaints under the Human Rights Code. Visit the BC Human Rights Tribunal website for more information, including:

  • Information about the tribunal
  • Detailed information about how to file a complaint

More information about the Human Rights Code is available in multiple languages:

 Additional information can also be obtained from the B.C. Human Rights Clinic.

B.C. Human Rights Code amendments

The Human Rights Code now covers "Indigenous identity" and “gender identity or expression” as protected grounds. Factsheets on this website are being updated to reflect the changes.

Any questions about B.C.’s Human Rights Code can be directed to the BC Human Rights Clinic.

B.C.'s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

In 2018, changes to B.C.’s Human Rights Code established B.C.'s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC). As an independent office of the legislature, the OHRC is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in our province. Their work includes:

  • Education
  • Research
  • Advocacy
  • Inquiry
  • Monitoring

To learn more, please visit the OHRC website, which includes information about:

The OHRC has also produced series of videos with basic information about human rights in B.C. Each video is short and helps make complex information and ideas easy to understand.

More information

How to Make a Human Rights Complaint

Contact the Human Rights Tribunal to make a complaint.

Where to Find Help With a Complaint

Help for eligible human rights complainants and respondents is available through the:

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