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Introduction to Human Rights and the Role of Commissions  

Definition of Human Rights  

Universal Declaration of Human Rights  

Importance of human rights in society  

Overview of Human Rights Commissions  

Purpose and functions  

Historical development  

Advocacy in Human Rights  

Promoting Awareness and Education  

Educational programs and outreach initiatives  

Role of media and technology in advocacy  

Engaging with Communities  

Grassroots movements and community involvement  

Collaboration with NGOs and civil society  

Enforcement Mechanisms of Human Rights Commissions  

Investigative Powers  

Conducting inquiries and investigations  

Gathering evidence and testimonies  

Legal Framework  

National and international laws governing human rights  

Mechanisms for holding violators accountable  

Reporting and Recommendations  

Issuing reports on human rights situations  

Making recommendations to governments and institutions  

Understanding the Role of the Commission: Advocacy, Education, and Enforcement of Human Rights  

Functions of Commission
16(1) It is the function of the Commission
(a)	to forward the principle that all persons are equal in: dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation,
(b)	to promote awareness and appreciation of and respect for the multicultural heritage of Alberta society,
(c)	to promote an environment in which all Albertans can participate in and contribute to the cultural, social, economic and political life of Alberta,
(d)	to encourage all sectors of Alberta society to provide equality of opportunity,
(e)	to research, develop and conduct educational programs designed to eliminate discriminatory practices related to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation,
(f)	to promote an understanding of, acceptance of and compliance with this Act,
(g)	to encourage and co-ordinate both public and private human rights programs and activities, and
(h)	to advise the Minister on matters related to this Act.
(2)	The Commission may delegate in writing to a member or to a person referred to in section 18 any of its functions, powers or duties.
Enforcement
Who may make complaint
20(1) Any person, except the Commission, a member of the Commission and a person referred to in section 18, who has reasonable grounds for believing that a person has contravened this Act may make a complaint to the Commission.
(2)	A complaint made pursuant to subsection (1) must
(a)	be in a form acceptable to the Commission, and
(b)	be made within one year after the alleged contravention of the Act occurs.
RSA 1980 cI-2 s19;1985 c33 s8;1996 c25 s22

Director’s powers and duties re complaint
21(1) If the Commission receives a complaint made in accordance with section 20 and the bylaws, the director may at any time
(a)	dismiss the complaint, in whole or in part, if the director determines that the complaint or part of the complaint
(i)	is without merit,
(ii)	was made in bad faith for an improper purpose or motive,
 

(iii)	has no reasonable prospect of success, or
(iv)	is a complaint or part of a complaint that is being, has been, will be or should be more appropriately dealt with in another forum or under another Act,
(b)	attempt to effect a settlement of the complaint by one or more of the following means:
(i)	conciliation;
(ii)	the appointment of a person to investigate the complaint, or
(c)	refer the complaint to the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals for resolution by a human rights tribunal.
(2)	For greater certainty, the director may at any time
(a)	refuse to accept or dismiss a complaint or part of a complaint that
(i)	is not within the jurisdiction of the Act,
(ii)	is not in accordance with the Act or the bylaws,
(iii)	is being, has been, will be or should be more appropriately dealt with in another forum or under another Act,
and
(b)	accept a complaint or part of a complaint referred to in subsection (1)(a)(iv) pending the outcome of the matter in the other forum or under the other Act.
(3)	The director may dismiss a complaint or part of a complaint if the director is of the opinion that the complainant has refused to accept a proposed settlement that is fair and reasonable.
(4)	The director shall forthwith serve notice of a decision under this section on the complainant and the person against whom the complaint was made.
RSA 2000 cH-14 ss21,22;2021 c25 s2

22	Repealed 2021 c25 s2.
 

Investigator’s powers
23(1) For the purposes of an investigation under section 21, an investigator may do any or all of the following:
(a)	subject to subsection (2), enter any place at any reasonable time and examine it;
(b)	make inquiries orally or in writing of any person who has or may have information relevant to the subject-matter of the investigation;
(c)	demand the production for examination of records and documents, including electronic records and documents, that are or may be relevant to the subject-matter of the investigation;
(d)	on giving a receipt for them, remove any of the things referred to in clause (c) for the purpose of making copies of or extracts from them.
(2)	An investigator may enter and examine a room or place actually used as a dwelling only if
(a)	the owner or person in possession of it consents to the entry and examination, or
(b)	the entry and examination is authorized by a judge under section 24.
1996 c25 s22

Judge’s order
24(1) Where a judge of the Court of Justice is satisfied on an investigator’s evidence under oath that there are reasonable grounds for an investigator to exercise a power under section 23(1) and that
(a)	in the case of a room or place actually used as a dwelling, the investigator cannot obtain the consent under section 23(2) or, having obtained the consent, has been obstructed or interfered with,
(b)	the investigator has been refused entry to a place other than a dwelling,
(c)	a person refuses or fails to answer inquiries under section 23(1)(b), or
(d)	a person on whom a demand is made under section 23(1)(c) refuses or fails to comply with the demand or to permit the removal of a thing under section 23(1)(d),
 

the judge may make any order the judge considers necessary to enable the investigator to exercise the powers under section 23(1).
(2) An application under subsection (1) may be made with or without notice.
RSA 2000 cH-14 s24;2008 c32 s16;AR 75/2023

Copies of documents
25 If an investigator removes anything referred to in section 23(1)(c), the investigator may make copies of or extracts from the thing that was removed and shall return the thing to the place from which it was removed within 48 hours after removing it.
1996 c25 s22

Appeal to Chief of the Commission and Tribunals
26(1) The complainant may, not later than 30 days after receiving notice of dismissal of the complaint under section 21, by notice in writing to the Commission request a review of the director’s decision by the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals.
(2)	The Commission shall serve a copy of a notice requesting a review referred to in subsection (1) on the person against whom the complaint was made.
(3)	The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals shall
(a)	review the record of the director’s decision and decide whether
(i)	the complaint should have been dismissed, or
(ii)	the proposed settlement was fair and reasonable, as the case may be, and
(b)	forthwith serve notice of the decision of the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals on the complainant and the person against whom the complaint was made.
(4)	The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals may delegate the functions, powers and duties set out in subsection (3) to another member of the Commission.
RSA 2000 cH-14 s26;2009 c26 s17;2021 c25 s2

Referral to human rights tribunal
27(1) The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals shall appoint a human rights tribunal to deal with a complaint in the following circumstances:
 

(a)	where the director refers the complaint for resolution by a tribunal under section 21(1)(c);
(b)	where the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals or another member of the Commission decides under section 26(3) that the complaint should not have been dismissed or that the proposed settlement was not fair and reasonable.
(2)	A human rights tribunal shall consist of one or more members of the Commission, one of whom may be the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals.
(3)	Where the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals or another member of the Commission has conducted a review under section 26(3) in respect of a complaint, the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals or the other member, as the case may be, is not eligible to sit as a member of a human rights tribunal dealing with that complaint.
(4)	A human rights tribunal and each member of the tribunal have all the powers of a commissioner under the Public Inquiries Act.
(5)	If a human rights tribunal consists of more than one member, the decision of the majority is the decision of the tribunal.


Human rights represent the foundational principles that safeguard the dignity, freedom, and well-being of every individual, transcending cultural, political, and geographical boundaries. The establishment of Human Rights Commissions serves as a crucial mechanism in the global landscape, tasked with the advocacy, education, and enforcement of these rights. As society confronts persistent injustices and systemic discrimination, understanding the multifaceted role of these commissions becomes imperative for fostering a culture of accountability and respect for human rights. This course delves into the intricate relationship between human rights and the commissions that uphold them, exploring their historical evolution, core functions, and the critical impact they have on communities and societies at large.

The course aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of human rights advocacy and the enforcement mechanisms employed by commissions worldwide. From promoting awareness through educational programs to engaging with grassroots movements and leveraging the power of media and technology, the role of advocacy cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the enforcement of human rights necessitates a robust legal framework, investigative capabilities, and accountability measures to ensure that violators are held responsible. By examining real-world case studies and contemporary challenges, participants will gain insights into how Human Rights Commissions operate, their strategies for effecting change, and the importance of collaboration with civil society and non-governmental organizations. This exploration will illuminate the essential functions of these commissions while highlighting the ongoing struggle for human dignity and justice across the globe.