Meet the Commissioner
Her role is to lead the promotion and protection of human rights in British Columbia through the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
Kasari Govender (she/her/hers) took office as B.C.’s first independent Human Rights Commissioner on September 3, 2019. Her role is to lead the promotion and protection of human rights in British Columbia through the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
Govender has devoted her life to promoting human rights, with a focus on the rights of those most marginalized. She is passionate about using her skills as a lawyer and community builder to create a more equal and just province. She has worked closely with organizations and communities promoting gender equality, Indigenous rights, children’s rights, the rights of people with disabilities and the rights of immigrant communities.
From 2008 until 2019, Govender held leadership positions at West Coast LEAF and was appointed Executive Director in 2011. She has co-authored key reports and articles and speaks widely on crucial social issues such as hate speech, access to justice, gender based violence and systemic racism. Her earlier work includes a pivotal role in establishing the Rise Women’s Legal Centre, a non-profit legal clinic in British Columbia.
Govender earned her law degree from the University of Victoria and her Master’s Degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, UK. She has served on the board of directors for the University of Victoria, Pivot Legal Society, the Coalition for Public Legal Services, and the Society for Children and Youth. Govender has taught as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of British Columbia and as an instructor at Simon Fraser University. Her work was recognized by the Women Lawyer’s Forum which honoured her with their Award of Excellence.
In addition to her role as Human Rights Commissioner, Govender is a mother, an aunt, a daughter and a sister.
Our Office
BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner consists of:
- a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner
- five departments: Research & Policy, Legal, Education & Engagement, Communications & Operations and Corporate Services
Meet our diverse and dedicated staff teams.
Research & Policy Department
Research
The Research Team gathers and analyses data to provide a foundation for meaningful action to protect and promote human rights. This team uses a wide range of methodologies and prioritizes working in community and listening to the lived experiences of people across the province. As Commissioner Govender has said many times, “we cannot act on what we do not know.”
Policy
The Policy Team specializes in developing concrete, realistic solutions to complex human rights challenges. This team identifies emerging issues, conducts analysis and supports the Commissioner in advocating for policies, practices and legislation that address systemic discrimination and take a human rights-based approach.
Legal Department
On behalf of the Commissioner, the Legal Department makes powerful arguments before the courts and the Human Rights Tribunal to shape how human rights are interpreted and enforced. This team also project leads the Commissioner’s inquiries, which shine a light on systemic injustices.
Education & Engagement Department
Education
The Education Team breaks down complex human rights concepts and turns them into engaging, accessible learning experiences that empower people to recognize, prevent and challenge discrimination. From interactive workshops to videos, fact sheets and even a colouring book, they create tools that help people from all walks of life understand their rights and responsibilities to others.
Engagement
The Engagement Team spans across four regions of the province to serve as a bridge between our Office and B.C.’s communities. The team focuses on building lasting relationships, ensuring that communities are heard, valued and included in our work. By fostering real conversations and deep connections, they help spark action, raise awareness and strengthen a culture of human rights in B.C.
Communications & Operations Department
Communications
The Communications Team brings human rights to the forefront of the public conversation. This team translates complex issues into clear, compelling messages that connect with people, shift perspectives and inspire action—be it through the website, social media or supporting the Commissioner’s work in the media.
Operations
The Operations Team does the behind-the-scenes work to ensure staff have what they need to deliver on human rights work every day. This team handles administrative support, logistics, facilities, security, travel and more, keeping the Office running efficiently and effectively.
Corporate Services Department
The Corporate Services Department is a small team made up of Finance, Human Resources and Information Management and Technology (IM/IT).
Finance ensures every dollar is spent wisely to further the Commissioner’s legislative mandate. This team manages everything from budgeting and forecasting to procurement and payments.
Human Resources ensures the Office’s staff are supported and empowered to do their best work. This team works on hiring and onboarding, workforce planning, performance development and ensuring policies and processes promote fairness, efficiency and well-being among staff.
Information Management and Technology (IM/IT) ensures the Office has the technology needed to do its work. This team makes sure all hardware and software run seamlessly—optimizing systems, ensuring sensitive data is protected and quickly resolving technical issues.
Want to work with us?
Are you looking for meaningful work promoting and protecting human rights in B.C.? Please check out our exciting career opportunities.