On December 10, we’re celebrating International Human Rights Day. This year, we’re reflecting on equality and equity. UBC Human Rights Advisors Oluwaseun Ajaja and Libby Zeleke, and UBC Inclusion Action Plan Coordinator Okong’o Kinyanjui lead us in discussions on human rights, their trajectories, and share their favourite resources.
Learn about your rights
BC’s Human Rights Grounds
The BC Human Rights Code protects 14 grounds of discrimination. Everyone has the right to be free of discrimination based on:
- age (actual or perceived)
- ancestry
- colour
- family status
- marital status
- physical or mental disability
- place of origin
- political belief
- race
- religion
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender identity or expression
- criminal conviction unrelated to employment
Human Rights at UBC
UBC Policy #SC7 on Discrimination & Harassment highlights UBC’s commitment to creating a study and work environment that is free from discrimination on those grounds protected by the BC Human Rights Code. The Policy provides procedures for making complaints, responding to complaints (up to and including formal investigation), and remedies to address instances of discrimination.
UBC Vancouver Anti-Racism Human Rights Advisor Oluwaseun Ajaja shares more information on human rights at UBC, as well as his guiding philosophies. UBC Okanagan Human Rights Advisor and Respondent Support Advisor Libby Zeleke discusses her role and shares her favourite resources, and Inclusion Action Plan (IAP) Coordinator Okong’o Kinyanjui talks about the experiences that lead him to UBC, and how he stands up for equality and equity wherever he goes.