Human Rights Adjudication Panel
The Human Rights Adjudication Panel ("HRAP") is an independent agency of the NWT Legislative Assembly. Each member of the panel is an adjudicator appointed by the Legislative Assembly. They have a legal obligation to treat all persons appearing before them in a fair and impartial manner.
The HRAP only deals with complaints that have been sent to it by the Director of Human Rights. The Director screens all complaints and if the Director decides a complaint should be heard, it is referred to the HRAP. An adjudicator from the panel may then conduct a hearing. Following the hearing, the adjudicator decides whether the complaint has been proved in whole or in part. The adjudicator's 'Reasons for Decision' will be given to the parties in writing. If a complaint is proved, the adjudicator will decide what has to be done to correct the situation. If the complaint is not proved, the adjudicator may dismiss it. Hearings may be held throughout the NWT. See "Hearing Procedure".
Complaints referred to the HRAP may also be resolved by mediation. Adjudicators are trained mediators. By agreement of the parties, they may attempt to help them resolve the complaint without having a hearing. If a mediation is successful, the complaint is dismissed. If not, the complaint proceeds to a hearing. See "Mediations".
There are presently four adjudicators, one of whom is the Chair. See "Current Members".
The HRAP's role in the administration of human rights complaints looks like this Download PDF