The Management Development Group: Teaching High Quality interpersonal and people management skills to managers and supervisors.

The Human Resource department of your organization will be the first to deal with violations of human rights in the work place. Learning the tremendous amount of information required, and having an effective working knowledge of it, is mind numbing! So, how do you cope? I have some ideas that may help you deal more effectively with human rights issues.

If you don't have a copy of the Human rights code, get one. You can download a copy from www.ohrc.on.ca This web site is full of information that you can refer to as needed. If you are still unclear ask! There are a slew of solicitors that deal only with human rights issues and can give you precise information and guidance. Take time and source out a list of people, places and organizations you can access. The important thing is to know where to get the information you need and have it readily available. Using guess work with these types of issues can be detrimental to you, your organization and the individuals involved.
You are responsible as an H R Professional to act promptly in dealing with these issues. Develop clear and appropriate procedures so that you can respond with out delay. Most of these matters are sensitive, if not confrontational with emotions and feelings of both parties running high. So stay cool. If you are uncomfortable dealing with emotional issues, you may tend to delay them, allowing an even more intensive situation to develop. Make sure that your policies and procedures are clear, direct and appropriate. This will help you maintain an objective point of view, so that emotions will not effect your efficiency to resolve the situation.
Educate your people. The key to change is being aware. I believe most of the human rights violations are caused with out malicious intent, but because of lack of awareness and information. Lay a strong foundation with your work force by training them about the spirit of Human Rights. Remember, you don't have to reach an agreement to have understanding. Your goal is to have the work force understand Human Rights, and realize why they are necessary. Give more precise training and education to the people that are responsible for administering the Human Right Code. This way, you can make sure that your organization has properly upheld everyone's human rights.