June 26, 2024
Statement from the Yukon Human Rights Commission
On June 17, 2024, the Yukon Human Rights Commission issued a media release congratulating our former Director, Birju Dattani, on his appointment as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and thanking him for the exceptional leadership he provided to the Yukon Commission during his more than three years with us. We stand by that statement.
We are aware that Mr. Dattani has been subjected to criticism for some comments that he made over a decade ago as a student. As the Chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission, I can testify to the fact that while serving as our Director of Human Rights, Mr. Dattani was exemplary in meeting the highest standards of dedication to the defense of human rights for all Yukoners. His experience here showed him to be exceedingly knowledgeable, hard- working, innovative, highly empathetic to all communities and, beyond any doubt, completely impartial in the manner in which he carried out his responsibilities in the Yukon.
The Yukon Human Rights Commission completely rejects any suggestion that Mr. Dattani is in any way unqualified for the role of Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Beyond being a skilled leader and manager, Birju Dattani has dedicated his life to advancing human rights. We are only too aware that personal attacks come with the territory for those who are committed to ensuring the rights of all persons. Today, as every day, the Yukon Human Rights Commission stands beside Birju Dattani and every other person who has the courage to take up this calling.
Michael Dougherty, Chair of the Commission
Yukon Human Rights Commission
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Download the Commission’s June 26, 2024 statement here.