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December 2021


December news from the Equality and Human Rights Commission


New assessments on Human Rights Tracker


This month we published the latest updates on the state of human rights on our Human Rights Tracker. We summarised the actions that the UK and Welsh Governments have taken since 2016 across thirteen human rights topics. This information can be used to understand where legal and policy improvements are needed and how the rights of people can be better protected.


You can find out more about how to monitor human rights in our new film which explores how to use the Human Rights Tracker [link removed] to track how well the UK and Welsh Governments are putting their human rights duties into practice.


Read our assessments on the Human Rights Tracker [link removed]


LinkedIn blog 'The Human Rights Tracker - an innovation in progress monitoring'


The Human Rights Tracker’s potential to support effective human rights monitoring is explored in a LinkedIn blog from Michael Lane, a doctoral researcher looking at the Universal Periodic Review.


Read Michael's LinkedIn blog [link removed]


Our response to proposed Human Rights Act reforms


In response to the Government's proposals to reform the Human Rights Act, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has published a statement which can be viewed on our website.


"The Human Rights Act plays a vital role in protecting everyone in the UK...we will welcome any changes which would strengthen protections and oppose any that might reduce or weaken them. We will respond to the consultation in due course” - Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.


Read the full statement [link removed]


Human Rights Act: Legal cases


Earlier this month, on Human Rights Day, we published a new film which looks at the legal cases that have changed Britain. From religious freedom to patients’ involvement in medical decisions, the Human Rights Act protects us in all areas of life.


Watch our new film on the Human Rights Act [link removed]


Our response to incidents of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club


Following reports of incidents of racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), we wrote to YCCC asking for further information. We have now published an update on our website.


"We have now reviewed the documentation and we consider it likely that an unlawful act has taken place...We will therefore be monitoring the club’s action plan closely and we reserve the right to take legal action if the action plan isn’t implemented properly" - Marcial Boo, Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive.


Read the full update [link removed]


Legal fund to tackle race discrimination now open


Last month we launched a landmark fund to tackle race discrimination and help victims seek justice. Through this fund we will provide vital support for court cases including funding and legal expertise. This fund is now open and will be open for a minimum of two years.  To learn more about the fund and to submit a request for financial support for your clients' case, please visit our webpage for more information.


Find out more about the new legal fund [link removed]


New Commissioner appointment: Akua Reindorf


Akua Reindorf has recently been appointed as a Commissioner to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Akua is a highly respected equality and discrimination legal expert. Her valuable experience will provide great insight in our work as the regulator of the Equality Act, so we can stand up for the rights of everyone in Great Britain.


Read the statement by Liz Truss, Minister for Women and Equalities.


Read the statement [link removed]


EHRC Wales annual impact report published


The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales have published their annual impact report. This report reflects on the highlights and achievements made by our Wales team between 2020 and 2021. This includes taking action to ensure the Public Sector Equality Duty was complied with during the pandemic, supporting the implementation of the socio-economic duty and launching an inquiry into the experiences of low-paid ethnic minority workers in health and social care workplaces.


Read the EHRC Wales impact report [link removed]


Equinet blog: Accessibility of polling stations


We recently intervened in a case at the European Court of Human Rights on the accessibility of polling stations and reasonable accommodation for disabled people regarding voting. Although the applicants encountered obstacles to cast their votes because of their disability during a number of elections, the Court arrived at the conclusion that they were not discriminated against.


Full details about the case are available in a blog from Equinet which summarises the facts, the Court’s decision, and comments on the outcome.


Read Equinet's blog [link removed]


Report published with CIPD on hybrid working


We recently helped the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) create new hybrid working guidance for employers.


"Many employers who last year scaled up their hybrid working overnight have since seen the benefits it can bring their business, enabling them to attract and retain talent and open opportunities for parents, carers and disabled people. This new guidance will help all employers to get hybrid working right, making workforces more engaged, more productive and more inclusive too" - Marcial Boo, Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive.


Read the hybrid working report [link removed]


Health and Care Bill House of Lords briefing


The Health and Care Bill provides a welcome opportunity to strengthen compliance with equality and human rights standards in health and social care. Ahead of the Health and Care Bill’s second reading in the House of Lords we published a briefing which focuses on tackling inequalities, strengthening oversight for social care and improving patient safety.


Read the Health and Care Bill briefing [link removed]


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Equality and Human Rights Commission
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