The Canadian literature on equality theory and human rights legislation was reviewed, as well as other material on related areas of law. The research effort also focused on cases that interpreted human rights statutes and equality rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In addition, interviews were conducted with staff of human rights agencies. Research findings indicated that concepts of equality and discrimination need to be re-examined in the context of human rights. Models for characterizing the problem of discrimination and for resolving human rights issues are described. Institutional mechanisms for resolving human rights issues are considered, along with existing mechanisms in various countries to facilitate respect for human rights. References, footnotes, and tables