The Equality and Human Rights Commission is one of the three A Status National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) for the UK.
As an NHRI, the Commission has a mandate to promote and protect human rights, monitor UK compliance with national and international human rights instruments and raise awareness on human rights issues and mechanisms. This includes raising awareness on international levers that can contribute to strengthen human rights culture and advance the enjoyment of human rights in the UK. The United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is one of these levers.
We:
- In May 2012 we briefed Embassies in London on the findings of our Human Rights Review.
- In March 2012, in cooperation with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Scottish Human Rights Commission, hosted a side event at the Human Rights Council 19th Session to inform Permanent Missions involved in the review of the key human rights priorities in the UK
- In November 2011, provided an NHRI submission to the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights drawing on our evidence base. Read the Submission.
- In Autumn 2011, supported an awareness raising project to encourage voluntary sector organisations to engage with the UPR.
- In Autumn 2011, participated in and encouraged VSO to participate in the Government consultation on the State Report (Cardiff - 20 October 2011, Leeds - 31 October 2011, London - 17 November 2011, Glasgow - 23 November 2011). Read the National Report.
- Continue to provide evidence based information to Permanent Missions in Geneva and Embassies in London on human rights in the UK in view of the UPR examination.
- Delivered a statement at the Human Rights Council Session on the on the 20th of September
- Wrote to permanent missions in Geneva encouraging them to raise outstanding human rights concerns during the Session.
- Participated in the Government consultation on response to recommendations and written to the Government stating our priorities.
Email us for more information about our activities at international@equalityhumanrights.com.
Scottish activities can be found on the Scottish human rights commission webpage.