Searching for Human Rights

Human rights advisory services providing human rights related training, information, support, and referrals on topics related to discrimination or harassment based on human rights grounds such as:

• sex
• race
• ancestry
• sexual orientation
• gender identity
• disability
• age
• religion
• mental health
• accessibility
• accommodation

Anti-racism and human rights promotion, as well as equity, social justice, workers' rights, inclusive civic participation, and respect for diversity * activities include public education, systemic advocacy, community development and coalition building * participant-led education and training on civic participation, social and political advocacy * cross-generational discussion groups * research on topics such as health and wellness, immigration, and youth issues * volunteer opportunities



Downtown office at 215 Spadina Ave, Unit 451

COVID19 -- counselling by email, link to health information in multiple languages for COVID-19,
no walk-in service

Mental health program * supportive counselling with referral to additional services as appropriate * group programs and drop in * mutual support groups for men, women, children and youth * crisis intervention * professional service coordination among physicians or mental health specialists, lawyers, social workers * legal help



Settlement services, (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program) * needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling * support with immigration documents, finding housing, accessing child care, community and social services * community support through volunteer befriending, including interpretation and escort to appointments



Children's program -- specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning * homework club



Language and skills training -- English as a Second Language (ESL) * participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry



Public education program -- community consultation and public information * International projects

Human trafficking education, awareness, information, and prevention

Vctim support

• exit support, information and referral, court support
• financial aid, medical support, life skills training
• family and caregiver support group

First Response Bag
Backpack for victims includes coat, clothing, toiletries, gift cards

Supports self help community development programs in developing countries and in Canada

• implements the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• fundraising
• public awareness

Promotes legal protection of civil rights and liberties, particularly with reference to freedom of expression, police powers, government intrusions

• organizes court interventions
• presents briefs to provincial and federal legislative committees
• provides deputations to public inquiries
• education programme provides seminars and workshops in schools and education faculties
• does not provide legal advice

COVID19 -- counselling by email, link to health information in multiple languages for COVID-19,
no walk-in service

Medical, mental health and social care

Mental health program -- supportive counselling with referral to additional services as appropriate

• group programs and drop in
• mutual support groups for men, women, children and youth
• crisis intervention
• professional service coordination among physicians or mental health specialists, lawyers, social workers
• legal help

Settlement services

• needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling
• support with immigration documents, finding housing, accessing child care, community and social services
• community support through volunteer befriending, including interpretation and escort to appointments

Children's program

• specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
• homework club

Language and skills training

• English as a Second Language (ESL), participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
• computer classes

Public education program

• community consultation and public information
• International projects

Satellite office at 20 Palace St, Toronto

Resolves disputes under the Human Rights Code and maintains neutrality

• does not defend, represent or advise either person or organization
• holds mediations and hearings

Administers and enforces Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination in employment, accommodation, contracts, vocational associations, or goods, services and facilities, based on age (16 years and older in accommodation, 18 years and older in services and 18-65 years in employment), sex (includes pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status (includes common law), same sex partnership status, family status, physical or mental disability, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, receipt of public assistance (in accommodation), record of offences (in employment) and reprisal or threat of reprisal

Partner agency in Ontario Human Rights System with Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) -- see separate listings

under auspices of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario

Information on social and environmental issues including

• human rights
• community and economic development
• health
• social action
• community organizing
• activism
• other resources including a directory of grassroots groups and a directory of Canadian media

COVID19 -- staff working remotely, intake lines open

---------------------------------------

Legal advice and support, including possible representation and application assistance for applicants to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

COVID19 -- staff working remotely
----------------------------

National organization promoting equality for women, girls, and people who experience gender-based discrimination

• intervenes in court cases to challenge discrimination against women using the equality guarantees of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• focus includes immigrant and visible minority women, women with disabilities and Aboriginal women
• research
• does not provide general legal advice and is not a legal clinic

Works to protect, promote and advance respect for human rights

• may initiate applications or intervene in cases before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
• policy development, research and analysis
• public education and training
• reports to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Working Together -- e-learning training video for public, private and not-for-profit sectors towards completing Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) requirements

COVID19 -- walk in services suspended, call 416-971-9674

------------------------

Community legal clinic

• deals primarily with immigration, tenant issues, social assistance, employment rights, human rights, poverty law
• most refugee cases referred to Legal Aid
• may provide representation
• summary advice in domestic violence and other family law cases
• community education
• speakers
• law reform
• community advocacy
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

COVID19 -- telephone inquiries only, online information about housing security during the COVID19 emergency
----------------------------------------------

Legal clinic focusing on individual and systemic anti-Black racism

• legal representation
• test case litigation
• law reform and community development
• summary legal advice, brief services and public legal education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Volunteer organization

• through service, education and social action works to ensure the rights of women, children, and families, the disabled and new Canadians are upheld
• raises awareness of trafficking of human persons
• organizes a book club
• organizes a knitting group providing an assortment of items for those in need in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cancer care facilities
• provides social activities and networking opportunities for women and their families
• member of International Council of Jewish Women

COVID19 -- counselling by email, link to health information in multiple languages for COVID-19,
no walk-in service

Mental health program * supportive counselling with referral to additional services as appropriate * group programs and drop in * mutual support groups for men, women, children and youth * crisis intervention * professional service coordination among physicians or mental health specialists, lawyers, social workers * legal help



Settlement services * needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling * support with immigration documents, finding housing, accessing child care, community and social services * community support through volunteer befriending, including interpretation and escort to appointments



Children's program -- specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning * homework club



Language and skills training -- English as a Second Language (ESL) * participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry



Public education program -- community consultation and public information * International projects

Advice line for French-speaking clients

Services

• Immigration
• Housing (tenants only)
• Human rights
• Social assistance
• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Employment rights

Non-governmental organization

• recognizes human dignity and promotes the well-being of all trafficked persons, including persons who have been trafficked from other countries, as well as Canadian residents who may have been trafficked within Canada's borders

Advocacy for trafficked persons

• secures the essential services that trafficked persons require to take back control of their bodies and their lives
• networks with other groups to prevent the trafficking of persons and to increase the protection of those who have been trafficked

Information and referrals

• support
• conducts public education and campaigns and provides experienced speakers

Tribunal

• protects individuals from discrimination
• states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination
• legally decides whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act
• applies these principles to cases that are referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)

Grant-making organization that provides direct financial support to women's rights organizations in the global South

• the fund supports women to dismantle barriers, challenge perceptions, and change the world for women and girls and trans folk

International cooperation and development organization

• founded in 1961
• works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada

Focuses on:

• creating economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups
• advancing gender equality and social inclusion
• improving economic resilience and delivering progress on climate action

Organization that creates and connects individuals and communities to inclusive spaces (for prayers, discussion, and reflection) around the world, where everyone, of every gender, orientation and/or faith is welcome

• holds mixed congregational prayers led by any gender, Meccan style
• supports the institution of marriage, including interfaith marriages and same sex unions, and locates inclusive Muslim officiators for nikkahs
• global justice advocacy
• advocacy for the Muslim, Feminist, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI) communities
• Gender Jihad program: leads and supports the entitlement of women to self-determination
• interfaith and intra-faith gatherings
• various social events

Legal services

• supports actions aimed at equal access to justice in French through close collaboration with other government, community and legal organizations
• provides tools to justice professionals so that they can offer their services in French
• informs and equips the general public to develop an understanding of, and capacity to participate in, the legal system in French