Building and maintaining a culture of respect for human rights

Working collaboratively with the Board and the HWDSB community (students, staff, families and community), the HRO supports HWDSB in identifying and addressing systemic barriers, inequitable and discriminatory practices to prevent discrimination in all learning and working environments.

Building capacity in understanding and applying human rights at all levels

Promoting human rights education and professional development, the HRO engages the HWDSB community to increase understanding of human rights, roles and responsibilities.

Overseeing and supporting the internal human rights complaints resolution process

The HRO receives, resolves and investigates human rights concerns and complaints that are reported to the Office following the Board’s Human Rights Complaints Resolution Procedure.

Embedding human rights and equity principles

Providing leadership and capacity building, the HRO ensures that board policies and procedures are reviewed using the Human Rights Impact Assessment tool to identify and address human rights barriers proactively.