Policy, Human Rights & Structural Change

This is the Guidelines on Developing Human Rights Policies and Procedures published by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), last revised in 2008. This is a valuable capacity-building tool that organizations can use when writing, reviewing, and updating policy. 

This is an organizational self-assessment and capacity-building tool that looks at ALL parts of an organization: Community Based Approach (which includes Positive Spaces), Governance and Strategic Leadership, Operations, and Human Resources.

The Positive Space Assessment Tool is a free and anonymous online questionnaire designed by OCASI in 2013-2014 to benchmark organizational standards for serving LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, etc.) newcomers. 

OHRC Policy on Preventing Discrimination Because of Gender Identity and Gender Expression

by the Ontario Human Rights Commission

Approved by the OHRC: January 31, 2014 
Official release date: April 14, 2014
 

Policy on Discrimination and Harassment Because of Sexual Orientation by the Ontario Human Rights Commission 

Approved 2000. Revised 2006. Minor revisions 2009. 

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) is a coalition of 42 Member States, co-chaired by the governments of the United Kingdom and Argentina and works with over 120 LGBTQ+ civil society organizations. This report addresses critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community amidst COVID-19. These issues are broadly categorized into three themes: healthcare, economic well-being, and social issues. Each of these three complex themes are explored, providing literature, reports, and research to reflect on. The report concludes with 12 recommendations for policy makers and practitioners which address a range of issues including economic empowerment, healthcare, refugee and immigration policy, education, and emergency strategies among others. 

This report offers a snapshot of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on displaced LGBTQI+ individuals seeking resettlement, due to the closure of borders, pausing of resettlement acceptances, and travel between countries. It includes an analysis of current literature on COVID-19 responses, as well as interviews with human rights workers representing civil society organizations working at the frontline of the COVID-19 response. The report concludes with four policy recommendations including: 1) Uphold the right to asylum during COVID-19, 2) Resume the resettlement of LGBTQI refugees, 3) Release LGBTQI asylum seekers being held in detention centres, and  4) Increase resources dedicated to supporting LGBTQI refugees.