Message from John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
This Human Rights Day, we reflect on the enduring importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the work we’ve undertaken over the past year to uphold its principles. We’ve highlighted the human rights implications of Government policy, practice and legislative proposals both domestically and internationally focusing on promoting equality and human rights for everyone.
This year, we released monitoring reports examining the UK and Welsh governments’ responses to violence against women and girls, highlighting the need for stronger protections and systemic change, and their compliance with treaty obligations relating to civil and political rights. In August, I had the privilege of presenting to the United Nations in Geneva where I provided evidence to the Committee examining the UK’s application of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). And in October I attended the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions to discuss our shared priorities from assessing and managing the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence to political challenges to the human rights framework itself. A running theme in all these engagements is the importance discussions of monitoring and accountability— common themes throughout our equality and human rights work.
Despite our and others’ work, significant challenges remain. Systemic inequalities in health, social care, and education persist, and marginalised groups continue to face barriers to accessing their rights. Addressing these issues will remain central to our work as we prepare to launch our new strategic plan, which reaffirms our role as a guardian of equality and human rights.
Looking ahead, we’ll be bringing more of our tools and resources under one roof, including the migration of the Human Rights Tracker website into our main website early next year. By providing easier access to information, we aim to strengthen accountability and inspire further action.
Human Rights Day reminds us that collective efforts can create a fairer future. I invite you to engage with our work and join us in championing dignity, respect, and equality for all. | 
