The job of the Representative and her advocates is to look out for your rights. But it’s important for YOU to know your rights, too. Knowing and understanding your rights helps you get the fair treatment you deserve.

Every person has rights. Rights automatically belong to you – you don’t have to earn them – and they cannot be taken away. Rights tell you what you are entitled to, so you should have a good idea of what your rights are.  You can learn more about the rights that everyone has through:

• UN Human Rights
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• B.C. Human Rights code

In theory, everyone in B.C. has these same rights. In practice, though, some groups face obstacles and discrimination that other groups do not. Children and youth, children and youth in care, First Nations and Indigenous children and persons with disabilities are some of the groups who have additional legal protection for their human rights.

Useful documents:

RCY factsheet: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms