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Commission welcomes UN Report on UK's record on human rights

28 May 2009

The Commission today welcomed a UN report which finds that despite some improvements, some groups in the UK continue to experience significant inequality in wages, access to health and housing and other social services. The findings reflect evidence given to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the Commission.

The report finds significant areas of concern including the pay gap between men and women, and the disproportionately high numbers of vulnerable groups, such as children, older persons, disabled people and ethnic minorities, living in poverty. The Committee was also concerned about the widening health inequalities between low and high socio-economic groups, and the chronic shortage of housing for vulnerable groups such as disabled persons and Gypsies and Travellers.

The Committee made a number of recommendations which reflect key concerns raised by the Commission. These include:

• that the Equality Bill provide comprehensive protection from discrimination in the enjoyment of the rights under the Covenant;
• that the Government intensify efforts to reduce the still significant gender pay gap, including considering the outcomes of the Commission's Finance Sector Inquiry;
• that the Government introduce a more flexible scheme for paternity and parental leave as recommended by the Commission in its Working Better report;
• that the efforts to reduce the chronic shortage in housing be intensified, particularly social housing for disadvantaged groups and sites for Gypsies and Travellers;
• that the widening gap in health attainment between the most and least disadvantaged groups be redressed and data be gathered on an annual basis to monitor progress; and
• that the Government take measures to increase awareness of economic and social rights as human rights.

The Committee acknowledged the key role that the Commission played in the process, which is the first time that the Commission has provided a written report and oral briefing to the Committee.

John Wadham, Group Director Legal at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

"Our evidence to the Committee showed that the most disadvantaged groups in Britain still struggle to enjoy equality in terms of their fundamental rights to work, housing and health which a fair society should guarantee. We therefore welcome the fact that our key concerns have been reflected in the United Nation's findings and recommendations to the government.

“To ensure the recommendations are acted on, the Commission will work with the Government to develop an action plan regarding the Committee’s recommendations, and support the Equality Bill which is currently passing through parliament.”

The full report can be accessed from the UN website pages for the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights

Ends

For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.

Notes to Editors

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 160 states are party to the treaty, which came into force in 1976 and which recognises, among other things, the rights to work, to form and join trade unions, to social security, to the widest possible protection and assistance for the family, to an adequate standard of living, to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, and to an education.

In adhering to the treaty, States agree to submit periodic reports to the Committee on how they give effect to the provisions of the Covenant. The Committee evaluates the reports and makes observations and recommendations on improving the promotion and protection of the rights enshrined in the Covenant.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.

The Equality and Human Rights 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 Equality and Human Rights Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act and international treaties. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.

The full report can be accessed from the UN website pages for the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights