THE COMMISSION FOR EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

In February 2005, the Government announced plans for a single equality commission for implementation in October 2007.  The Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will bring together existing equality bodies for sex, race and disability and cover new areas of discrimination law including sexual orientation, religion and belief, and age.  It will also have human rights within its remit.  The White Paper Fairness for All was published in May 2004. The White Paper outlined in more detail what the Government's proposals for a new commission would look like. This included a remit which includes:  the promotion of equality of opportunity and human rights; challenging discrimination; and finally, promoting citizenship and social cohesion.  The duties of the new commission will include:

• Encouraging awareness and good practice on equality and diversity
• Promoting awareness and understanding of human rights
• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Working towards eliminating unlawful discrimination and harassment
• Promoting good relations between different communities
• Keeping discrimination and human rights legislation under review
• Being a source of expertise on equality and human rights

A Bill was introduced to Parliament in March 2005.  The Equality Bill outlines distinctive governance arrangements on disability, these arrangements will be supported by adequate resources and staff to enable the disability committee to deliver its remit successfully.

Plans for a CEHR are now well under way and an Equality Bill is currently before Parliament.  When the Bill reaches Royal Assent some time in 2006 the CEHR will be formally constituted, although the Government does not intend it to open its doors for business until October 2007.