Menu
30/10/2003
New anti-discrimination body will 'promote human rights'
The creation of a new Equality Commission, which will not only counter discrimination and challenge inequality, but also provide support for the promotion of human rights, has been announced by the government today.
Under the plans, the work of existing equality commissions will come together to give greater support and more joined-up advice to individuals, businesses and communities to crackdown on discrimination, and promote equality and diversity, ministers said.
The new body, provisionally called the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), will bring together the work of three existing equality commissions - the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission – and take responsibility for new laws outlawing workplace discrimination on age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary and Minister for Women, said: "We are committed to providing opportunity for all and equality matters to everyone - it is not a minority concern. A successful society must make full use of the talents of all its members.
"But tackling discrimination in the 21st Century requires a joined-up approach that puts equality in the mainstream of concerns.
Lord Falconer, Secretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, said that human rights and equality were "two sides of a single coin".
He added: "The CEHR should be able to change the way that public authorities treat individuals and drive up our public service standards.
"It will champion human rights good practice and responsibilities throughout the public sector, reducing the need to go to court over problems. We want to see a human rights culture, not a litigation culture."
A task force will be set up with members reflecting different equality interests to advise on the governance and structure of the new body ahead of a White Paper next spring.
(gmcg)
Under the plans, the work of existing equality commissions will come together to give greater support and more joined-up advice to individuals, businesses and communities to crackdown on discrimination, and promote equality and diversity, ministers said.
The new body, provisionally called the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), will bring together the work of three existing equality commissions - the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission – and take responsibility for new laws outlawing workplace discrimination on age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary and Minister for Women, said: "We are committed to providing opportunity for all and equality matters to everyone - it is not a minority concern. A successful society must make full use of the talents of all its members.
"But tackling discrimination in the 21st Century requires a joined-up approach that puts equality in the mainstream of concerns.
Lord Falconer, Secretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, said that human rights and equality were "two sides of a single coin".
He added: "The CEHR should be able to change the way that public authorities treat individuals and drive up our public service standards.
"It will champion human rights good practice and responsibilities throughout the public sector, reducing the need to go to court over problems. We want to see a human rights culture, not a litigation culture."
A task force will be set up with members reflecting different equality interests to advise on the governance and structure of the new body ahead of a White Paper next spring.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2004
Proposals for new UK equality body published
Details of how the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will work are set out in a White Paper published today. The government announced plans to create a single body to challenge discrimination and promote human rights last October.
Proposals for new UK equality body published
Details of how the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will work are set out in a White Paper published today. The government announced plans to create a single body to challenge discrimination and promote human rights last October.
19 September 2003
Government publishes annual report on human rights
The government's response to human rights challenges around the world over the last year has published in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Report on Human Rights. The human rights situation in Iraq is one of the major elements of the report, and the government has outlined two strands to its human rights policy in Iraq.
Government publishes annual report on human rights
The government's response to human rights challenges around the world over the last year has published in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Annual Report on Human Rights. The human rights situation in Iraq is one of the major elements of the report, and the government has outlined two strands to its human rights policy in Iraq.
16 September 2010
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
23 November 2011
Quality Of Elderly Care Breaching Human Rights
An inquiry into the treatment of the elderly by the 'home care' system has found the quality of care was in breach of human rights.
Quality Of Elderly Care Breaching Human Rights
An inquiry into the treatment of the elderly by the 'home care' system has found the quality of care was in breach of human rights.
17 February 2012
Student Fees Court Battle Fails
A legal battle against the raised cost of tuition fees in England has been lost on Friday morning. The legal challenge had been brought by teenagers, Callum Hurley from Peterborough, and Katy Moore from London, who both claimed the decision to allow fees to rise breached human rights and equality laws.
Student Fees Court Battle Fails
A legal battle against the raised cost of tuition fees in England has been lost on Friday morning. The legal challenge had been brought by teenagers, Callum Hurley from Peterborough, and Katy Moore from London, who both claimed the decision to allow fees to rise breached human rights and equality laws.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
