Equalities - Archive News
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Archived Consultations
Consultations on the EU Article 13 Equal Treatment Directive
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is inviting interested parties to feed in to their response to the Government's Consultation. The directive covers goods and services in the four remaining grounds not already covered by EU law - these are age, sexual orientation, religion or belief and disability. More information on the directive can be found on the EHRC website. The Government's consultation on the directive runs until the 28 July 2009, all interested parties are encouraged to respond to the consultation.
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Communities and Local Government's Tackling Race Inequalities Discussion Document
A copy of Communities and Local Government's Tackling Race Inequalities discussion document has been published. Please click here for dates to contribute to the Government's future approach to achieving race equality.
Copy of the Discussion Document.
Archived News
African and Caribbean Young Enterprise launches in Bristol to support the West’s young aspiring entrepreneurs
The official launch of African & Caribbean Young Enterprise (ACYE) took place at the Pierian Centre in St Paul’s in November.
Over 50 young aspiring entrepreneurs were treated to a lively and inspiring afternoon with guest speakers Yana Johnson MBE, founder of Yana Cosmetics, Tim Bosworth, founder of Think Big Be Big Group, and local entrepreneur and presenter, Clayton Planter. Bristol singer-songwriter Celestine also performed for the audience during the event.
Special guests included ITV’s Alex Beresford who also represents the national REACH role model program for young black men and PC Beverley Douglas, vice-chair of the Legacy Commission.
ACYE founders Carol Quaye and Karl Hakeem Belizaire said:
“It was fantastic to meet so many innovative and creative young people with wonderful ideas and big ambitions.
“There is so much untapped talent in our community and we heard a whole range of business ideas from comic book creators, to fashion designers and specialist training companies.
“This is the first of many events from ACYE as we strive to become the centre of enterprising activity and business support within the young African & Caribbean community”
Pride and Progress - Equality South West Sponsorship Opportunity - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB) and Transgender (T)
This is an opportunity to support research into the experiences of LGB and T people living, working in and visiting our region.
This research project is the first kind with the aim of comprehensively capturing every day experiences of LGB and Transgender people across the South West/
The research will form a survey which will hopefully collect what the real issues are for people facing discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The survey is being designed by LGB and transgender people for LGB and transgender people and will be distributed throughout the region to anywhere access can be gained.
For more details please contact Abbie Pepperell by 20 January 2010. telephone: 01823 250833 or email: Abbie.Pepperell@equalitysouthwest.org.uk
Black Families Education Support Group seek volunteer mentors
Are Approachable? A good listener? Positive? Do you want to make a difference to a young person's life?
The Black Families Education Support Group (BFESG) are looking for volunteers from the black and minority ethnic community to mentor young people. Volunteers will be provided with free training, a qualification, experience and full support throughout. Also all expenses are paid for.
Through mentoring BFESG aim to raise the achievements and aspirations of black and minority ethnic (BME) young people in the Bath and North East Somerset Area.
If you have an awareness of issues affecting BME young people and could benefit from this opportunity please contact Leah for further information email: leah@bathnesrec.org.uk or telephone: 01225 827 830.
Working Better: Fathers, Family and Work
The Equality and Human Rights Commission recently published its fathers and flexible working report.
This report has found, many British fathers are working long hours, struggling to balance work and family and fear that requesting flexible working will damage their careers. To read more please click here.
Monday 19 October's edition of Panorama: “Hate on the Doorstep”
This programme used undercover filming to expose racist abuse suffered by two Asian reporters, posing as a couple living on a Bristol housing estate. The programme also spoke to some anti-racism groups about attitudes to racism, the work of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and their grants programme. Link to the programme (BBC iPlayer)
Specification for work within the Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health Care Community Development Worker Programme.
Service 2-To provide NHS Bristol and NHS South Gloucestershire with a service in the field of racism, mental health and substance addiction.
NHS Bristol is looking for an organisation to provide NHS Bristol and NHS South Gloucestershire with a service in the field of racism, mental health and substance addiction. This is a stand alone service. If you are interested in having the opportunity to provide this service to NHS Bristol and NHS South Gloucestershire then please contact:dremh@bristolpct.nhs.uk or nicola.king@bristolpct.nhs.uk no later than Noon on Friday 30th October 2009.
Challenging Homophobia : Supporting Equalities in Schools
Sarah Louise Minter from the Bristol LGB Forum has written to thank all who came to the open meeting at Council House on 30th September : Challenging Homophobia : Supporting Equalities in Schools and has responded to some of the queries to read her letter please click here.
EHRC Disability Committee Strategic Priorities published
The Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability Committee published its strategic priorities on 30 September 2009, setting out how it will use its powers and responsibilities to tackle some of the major issues faced by disabled people. To read more please click here.
New helpline for workers who face exploitation
A new helpline has been set up by the government to help workers who may be facing exploitation at work. Please click here for further inforamtion.
The information is also available in other languages. For a Polish version please click here.
OFT proposes referral of local bus services to Competition Commission
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has published its market study into the supply of local bus services and proposes to refer the sector to the Competition Commission(CC) for more detailed investigation. For more information please click here.
Interested parties can submit written views by 15 October 2009. Comments should be sent to: Local bus services team, 2C/3 Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX. Email: localbusmarketstudy@oft.gsi.gov.uk
World Mental Health Day - Saturday 10 October 2009
The theme of this year's campaign is intended to draw world-wide attention to the growing body of knowledge on integration which emphasises the benefits of enhancing overall health and promoting mental health into primary care settings.
For more details please click here.
Research on multiculturalism in the UK
According to a new study by Lancaster University, 'Watching soaps, reading tabloids and turned off by politics' - the children of International Migrants in Britain show a high degree of cultural assimilation compared to their European neighbours. The report - Children of International Migrants in Europe - presents the results of an international project that examined the situation of over 2500 children of international migrants in Britain, France and Germany. Children of international migrants in Britain expressed very little interest in the politics of their parents' country, which contrasted particularly with Turks in Germany and North Africans in France. Ethnic disadvantages within education were pronounced in Germany but far less evident in Britain. To read more please click here.
Bristol’s success in supporting victims of sex crime celebrated
Please click here to read a press release which has been drafted to celebrate the recent successes of Bristol organisations in supporting victims of sex crime.
Many of you will have been involved in Bristol Reclaim the Night last February, and on that night pledged to:
1. Campaign for improvements to the rape conviction rate
2. Help the Bristol Rape Crisis centre
3. Support teaching of Sex and Relationships Education
Six months on we are seeing significant progress in the conviction of rapists; the Bristol Rape Crisis Centre will open it's helpline on Wedsnesday 19 and on Tuesday 25 August Bristol Feminist Network will be hosting a public meeting in support of wider teaching of SRE.
One25 Project will be presented with the donations from Reclaim the Night on Thurs 20th. One25 was the first organisation in England to get victim compensation for women involved in sex-work and provides essential support to women trapped in sex-work and addiction.
Ramadan Factsheet
Bristol City Council's Equalities department last year issued a factsheet about taking into account the needs of colleagues and partners who might be fasting during Ramadan. This year Ramadan is due to start on Friday 21 August. To view the factsheet please vist the resources section of this page.
Bristol Black Archives Calendar
Its that time of year again to get ready for the next BBAPP (Bristol Black Archives) calendar. The calendar highlights the achievements of the African and Caribbean community in Bristol, past and present, and shows how each person can make their own individual contribution to a community, to a locality and to the wider world. This is important if black heritage is to be seen as part of the shared history and culture of Bristol.
If you know someone you think should be in the calendar and you have their permission to be included then email a short text and a picture of them to: Lilleithx@aol.com or via post to: Lilleith Morrison, c/o Black Development Agency Ltd, 5 Russell Town Avenue, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9LT. Information recieved after 27 August 2009 may not be able to be included.
Bristol Welcomes Diversity Research
Bristol City Council has welcomed a report by the Institute of Community Cohesion on diversity in the city. The research highlights the changing nature of Bristol’s population as a whole and, in particular, how the city's schools are becoming increasingly ethnically diverse at a much faster rate than the overall population. In total, 22.5% of school pupils are from Black or Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BME), compared to 10.7% of the general population. To read more please click here.
Political Big Hitters Help Launch Operation Black Vote Blog
Operation Black Vote’s (OBV) 13th anniversary is being commemorated by the launch of the OBV Blog.
The aim of the blog is simply to create a space to have discussion and debate about issues that affect Black and Minority Ethnic Communities (BME) both at home and abroad. To help launch the blog OBV have asked some of the most senior politicians to write articles to lead and comment on national discussion. They include the first Muslim Cabinet Minister Sadiq Khan, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and Tory high-flyer and shadow minster Adam Afriyie.
The site aims to seek a kaleidoscope of opinion from politicians to activists, from seasoned journalist to would-be writers.
To view the blog please click here.
Second Skins: Reading Black Life-Writing
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In October, a short course will run at the Black Development Agency (BDA), exploring Black public personas and private identities through a reading of classic and little known autobiographies of Black and Asian figures.
This course is open to everyone. You won't need any prior knowledge to come along and you won't need to have read any of the books before. The course will run over 8 or 10 weeks, probably meeting one evening per week. However, the BDA are keen to develop the format of the course depending on the needs of those who would like to come.
The course is offered free (i.e. a full bursary) for anyone who does not already hold an undergraduate qualification.
The BDA are keen to hear from anyone who would like to come along. To find out more e-mail Amy Laurent (course tutor) and Tom Sperlinger (course organiser) on Tel: 0117 954 6969. or email:tom.sperlinger@bristol.ac.uk ">tom.sperlinger@bristol.ac.uk
Women belong in the House.... and the Council Chamber too
Operation Black Vote and the Government Equalities Office are running a Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme in areas around Bristol. The representation of Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women at every level of governance from the Houses of Parliament to local government is woefully low. Bristol is not one of the areas included in the scheme at present but those interested are encouraged to apply for The Solace Certificate in Community Leadership. To read more please click here.
BNP Commission Take Action over Potential Breach of Race Discrimination Law
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the British National Party over possible breaches of anti-discrimination law. The Commission has demanded that the party address potential breaches related to its constitution and membership criteria, employment practices and provision of services to the public and constituents.
The letter, sent to the party chairman Nick Griffin, outlines the Commission's concerns about the BNP's compliance with the Race Relations Act. The letter asks the BNP to provide written undertakings by 20 July that it will make the changes required by the Commission. Failure to do so may result in the Commission issuing an application for a legal injunction against the BNP.
The Commission has a statutory duty, under the Equality Act 2006, to enforce the provisions of the Act and to work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination. This duty includes preventing discrimination by political parties.
The Commission has required the BNP to provide a written undertaking that it will not discriminate contrary to the Race Relations Act in its employment and recruitment policies, procedures and practices.
The Commission is also concerned that the BNP's elected representatives may not intend to offer or provide services on an equal basis to all their constituents and members of the public irrespective of race or colour. The Commission thinks that this contravenes the Race Relations Act and the Local Authority Model Code of Conduct and that the BNP may have acted illegally and may act illegally in the future.
The Commission's letter asks the BNP to provide a written undertaking that its elected representatives or those working for them will not discriminate on grounds of race or colour in the provision of services to members of the public or constituents.
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.
For a full copy of the letter, please click here.
Seminar about BME Community Activism, Partnership Working and Cohesion
on 19 May 2009, the University of Bristol ran an event that brought together activists in the
voluntary sector and leading academics in the field of research into public partnerships and minority engagement.
To read the summary of this event please click here.
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Senior Civil Servants Resist Diversity
Over the past decade there has been a small but welcome increase in the number of black and Asian middle managers in both the public and private sectors. But this trend is not reflected in the higher echelons of public sector management and there remains a disturbingly low level of black and Asian representation in senior management posts in both the civil service and in local government. To read more please click here.
Participants needed for Human Rights Photography Project
British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), an independent charity that promotes human rights throughout the UK, is looking for people from all parts of society to take part in a human rights photography project. The photography project is part of a broader programme of work run by BIHR, changing the face of human rights, which aims to raise awareness of how human rights are important in people's everyday lives. A series of portraits of people will be taken. Each participant will work closely with a photographer to create a portrait and conduct an interview - asking what human rights mean to you personally. The output from this photography session would be a photograph, and a short story/ article of around 250 words. The materials will be made available to participants for their own use in their awareness raising work. If you are able to take part in this project, or have any further questions, please email Nadia nadia@nadiabettega.com or call +44 07803 038534
Femocracy:Your Voice
Fawcett has launched 'Your Voice', a guide to democracy with useful information about how ethnic minority women can access political power. You can download the toolkit in PDF format by clicking here. To request a copy of the toolkit by post or to order multiple copies to pass onto ethnic minority women.
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The Community Crime Fighters Scheme
The Criminal Justice System relies on active, committed individuals in local communities who are brave enough to stand up against crime and anti-social behaviour, or give their free time to help make their community safer. Please click here to read more.
If you would like to respond please do, to Mark Collins (mark.collins@bristol.gov.uk).
A Judiciary for All - Do you Want to become a Magistrate?
In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Operation Black Vote is delighted to announce the commencement of the Magistrates Shadowing Scheme 2009 in Leicester, Bristol and London. This ground breaking scheme aims to increase the number of people from Black and other Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds within the magistracy so that magistrate’s benches more accurately reflect the communities they serve.
These Regional Seminars are free and we would be grateful if you would circulate the information as widely as possible amongst your staff, membership and friends. We greatly appreciate your help in encouraging Black and Minority Ethnic individuals to apply to the scheme.
For further information about Operation Black Vote please visit the website at: www.obv.org.uk. If you have any queries please telephone 0208 983 5430 or email: merlene@obv.org.uk.
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Bristol Muslims 'We Can't let Radicals Silence Us!'
Muslim extremists are getting too much attention at the expense of the moderate majority, claims a Bristol community leader. "The radicals are getting the limelight and the mainstream Muslim view is not being reported," Farooq Siddique, of the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society, told the Bristol Evening Post.
To view full article please click here.
Anne Frank [+ You] exhibition - Coming to Bristol in May 2009
Bristol Cathedral will be hosting this multimedia exhibition from 04 – 31 May 2009. We are looking for people to be volunteer Visitor Guides. The ANNE FRANK + YOU is a hugely challenging and moving exhibition and will generate many visitors, including school groups from Year 6 (age 10) and older.
As a Visitor Guide, you will offer time for specified shifts during the duration of the exhibition. You will be invited to attend two training sessions which includes an introduction to the exhibition and you will be given a comprehensive information pack about the exhibition.
Please send your name, availability - can you do weekdays and/or weekends and contact details to: anne.frank@bristol-cathedral.co.uk You will be put in touch with the Visitor Experience Coordinator – Cassandra Howes, who, along with others will liaise with you and help you to get the most out of your time as a Visitor Guide
European Year of Volunteering confirmed as 2011
The European Commission has given official confirmation that the European Year of Volunteering will go ahead in 2011. The idea of announcing 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering is a common initiative presented by international Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs') and their networks actively engaged in volunteering at the Member States' level. It gathered a large support by the European Parliament. On 15 July 2008 the Written Declaration signed by 454 Members of European Parliament (MEP's) on announcing 2011 as the European Year of Volunteering was adopted. The European Commission intends to make a formal proposal on the issue during the first half of 2009 in order to make this grassroots' initiative possible. The meeting on 18 February was an opportunity to exchange ideas on this subject. For further information please visit the European Commissions Citizen Webpage by clicking here.
A Judiciary for All - Do you want to become a Magistrate?
Following the unprecedented success of Operation Black Vote and Ministry of Justice Magistrates' Shadowing Scheme, a series of free one day seminars entitled, ' A Judiciary for All' are being organised in regions across the country.
The aim of the seminars is to help improve Black and other Minority Ethnic (BME) representation within the magistracy and help increase awareness within BME communities about the work of the courts.
The free seminars will provide individuals considering applying to the magistracy with the knowledge and understanding of the role of Magistrates and the work of the Criminal Justice System. Led by experienced Magistrates and court officials, the seminars will outline the roles and responsibilities of a Magistrate and other individuals will have an opportunity to deliberate sample cases, discuss the application process and court tours will be available in some areas.
Operation Black Vote is providing this unique learning opportunity to anyone who has a desire to become a Magistrate to play a full and positive role within our public institutions.
The seminars will run from March to June 2009 in various areas across the country. Bristol and London dates to be confirmed.
For further information and / or to book please contact Merlene Carrington telephone: 0208 983 5430 or email: mag@obv.org.uk quoting 'Regional Seminars' in the subject field.
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National Dementia Strategy Launched
The National Dementia Strategy was launched by Nye Harries, Regional Change Agent - Older People's Services on 05 February 2009.
To view the Strategy please click here.
For an easy access version please click here.
Stephen Lawrence - the 10th Anniversary Speech
On 19 January Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission gave a speech to mark the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. Mr Phillips argued that British people no longer tolerate racism in the way that they had done ten years ago, but our public institutions still have some way to go in ensuring that they treat everybody fairly and root out discrimination.
To read the full speech please click here.
For more information please click here.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Reports
The Equality and Human Rights Commission have also published two reports. One on the growing diversity amongst young people, with almost 20% of children under the age of 16 coming from an ethnic minority and nearly 10% of children living in a family with multiple heritage. To view the report please click here
The second is a report into racism in the police and can be viewed here.
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The Population of Bristol
An information paper on the population of Bristol, drafted by the Strategic and Citywide Policy Team in City Development and the Corporate Policy team has been published. The paper includes evidence and input provided by Children & Young People’s Services (CYPS), Regeneration, Equalities and Social Inclusion, Neighbourhoods and the Primary Care Trust (PCT), and was co-ordinated via the Data and Intelligence Co-ordination Group (D&ICG). In short, this was a 'one council with partners' effort.
The paper brings together official estimates and projections from the Office for National Statistics, alternative sources of population data such as National Insurance Registrations and local sources of information from across the council and the PCT. The primary purpose of the paper is purely practical. Both corporately and departmentally, the Council receives many requests for information about the population of Bristol, and the attached paper is a means of bringing together the information the Council has.
There is also a short additional report outlining some of the policy/service implications of the population paper. The 'implications' paper is by no means exhaustive in terms of the policy/service implications identified.
Any comments on the Paper are welcomed by Bristol City Council. The intention is to update the paper at least annually in order to incorporate the latest population-related statistics and to include new sources of information as they become available.
Any comments to Jayne Mills, Strategic and Citywide Policy City Development, Bristol City Council, telephone: 0117 903 6873 or email: jayne.mills@bristol.gov.uk
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Police and racism: What has been achieved 10 years after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report?
Exactly 10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission wanted to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality?
This publication is only available to download and cannot be ordered. To view please click here.
Legal Review of the BME Compact Code
Black South West Network (BSWN) and the Black Development Agency (BDA) are supporting the Compact Commission in the Legal Review of the BME Compact Code. The review is relevant in light of various equality laws and the new Equality Bill which when enacted, will introduce laws affecting the relationship between the voluntary sector and Government. We have produced a short questionnaire, to help us identify whether or not the public sector, is using the BME code or if there are any benefits of having a BME code. To complete the survey please click here.
Building the Bridge - Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Programme
Since the Prevent Pathfinder Programme of 2007/2008 culminating in the ‘Building the Bridge’ Muslim Conference, Bristol City Council (BCC) has further developed its relationship with Muslim communities. This has included the development and launch of the Muslim Women’s Network. The network has brought together Muslim women from established organisations, and targeted women who have not been involved with any particular group. It also includes women from refugee backgrounds. Through dialogue and discussion the network has identified a number of key issues for Muslim women. Project work under PVE is now being developed as a direct result of this.
PVE Briefing Notes 03 December 2008
Southall Black Sisters - Legal Briefing
The decision in this Court case has implications on the duty to carry out Race Equality Impact Assessments and will affect Bristol City Council.
Click here to see the judgement.
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Tensions in Easton Schools – A Lesson for All
Voscur has been working to bring the local authority together with VCSE organisations regarding the tensions in two Easton schools due to some parents’ response to the schools’ inclusion projects. The projects included resources promoting same sex families and challenging homophobic bullying. Through a series of meetings we have been trying to seek resolutions and how the VCSE can further assist in bringing good equalities practice and raising awareness in school agendas.
Organisations involved have included EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia), the Bristol LGB Forum, Bristol Faith Forum, SARI, Terence Higgins Trust, Bristol Muslim Cultural Society, Somali Resource Centre, Bangladeshi Association and Bristol City Council departments include the Equalities Team, Community Development and Children and Young People’s Services.
In addition many of the VCSE groups have attended meetings or have held meetings with parents from faith groups or LGB groups in the city to discuss the issues. It has been a challenging time for all parties with no clear or satisfactory outcome to date but everyone recognises that this issue is not just about Easton but about all Bristol schools; which is why it is essential that concerns are managed with sensitivity but also with firm direction about good equalities practice and the need for more equalities awareness raising.
To read second statement by the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum please click here
Events in Easton Meeting - 19th May 2008
Notes from Easton Schools Meeting held on 21st April 2008
Notes from meeting held at Bannerman Road School on Wednesday 23rd April
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Capacitybuilders National Equality Partnership: Equalities and Diversity Workstream
The Equalities and Diversity Workstream aims to:
- Improve support to frontline equalities organisations run by and for people who experience discrimination and abuse, by supporting equality networks and increasing collaboration between equalities and generalist support providers.
- Improve support providers’ abilities to support all frontline organisations on equality, diversity and human rights issues.
It is working to address the marginalisation within the third sector of organisations run by and for people who experience discrimination and abuse. By working closely with people who have direct experience of the issues, all organisations will be able to address equality and diversity and improve their services and impact. There is excellent work on equality in the sector, but it can be patchy and disparate. The Workstream will help support providers and their networks to work together so that expertise is shared and long-term partnerships are formed. (November 2008)
For further information please click here: http://improvingsupport.org.uk/equality
Citizens' Day Framework
The Citizens Foundation has launched new guidance for local authorities on how to set up citizens’ days. The guidance offers advice, examples and useful contacts to develop activities for bringing together people from different backgrounds and illustrating what they have in common. To download the guidance, please click here Building cohesive, active and engaged communities (2007) (2178 KB)
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The Commission for Equality and Human Rights is now over a year old.
It is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It took over the responsibilities of the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Commission was established as the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) but since October 2008 has been called the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The South West Regional office is based at 2 Rivergate, Templequay, Bristol BS1 6EH. Tel (0117) 900 1765. The Regional Manager is Qaiser Razzak.
The Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people and promote and protect human rights.
The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors and to individuals.
To find out more please visit the website.
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Lesbian,Gay & Bi-Sexual
Working Group on Proposal to incorporate Trans people into the LGB Forum' Remit
Following the LGB Forum's AGM discussion on 20th November on extending the remit of the Forum's work to include Trans people, the decision was passed to form a Working Group to investigate the issues and report to the Membership, at next year's AGM. This is because the Forum already operates at a full stretch, with no additional capacity or budget for an Emergency General Meeting earlier than this date and our current workload fully employs all staff on existing projects. Please click here to read more.
Women
Women who Experience Violence - The Postcode Lottery
One in Four women who experience violence in Britain are left without support in their local areas. Each year in the UK three million women experience rape, domestic violence, stalking or other violence and many more are living with the legacy of abuse experienced in the past or as a child. Yet in many parts of Britain there is a shocking failure to ensure that women have access to vital support services. the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the End Violence Agaisnt Women (EVAW) Coalition are asking for help to end this postcode lottery.
On 30 January 2009, ECHR and EVAW launched the 'Map of Gaps', a groundbreaking campaign and website which includes interactive maps showing what level of support is available in your local area. For further information and to access the maps please visit: www.mapofgaps.org The website includes information about violence against women as well as template action letters to Local Authorities and MP's.
Age
Empowering Engagement: A Stronger Voice for Older People
on 22 May 2008 the Minister for Pensions Reform announced that John Elbourne had been asked to "examine the current arrangements for the engagement of older people and the ability of those arrangements to inform policy and actions of Government at all levels." John Elbourne published his report in November 2008 please click here to see a copy.
The Government has received and considered further comments on John Elbourne's report and published its response on 03 February 2009. To read the Government Response to John Elbourne's Review of Older People's Engagement with Government - February 2009 - please click here.
