‘Progress must be maintained on equality legislation’
THE States’ momentum in producing equality legislation must be maintained in 2019, according to Alan Brown, chairman of the Equality Working Group, pictured.
Speaking on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Mr Brown said the group was encouraged that finally Guernsey was making significant progress towards promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of all islanders.
It was the group’s expectation that an equality rights organisation will be in place by the autumn and equality legislation approved by the States in early 2020.
‘It is clear that the plans for 2019 are essential in ensuring that the fundamental human rights of all people living in Guernsey are properly protected and supported,’ said Mr Brown. ‘This is of particular significance to the more vulnerable members of our community.
‘The EWG will continue to work with Employment & Social Security and other States committees to promote and progress the equality agenda and hope to be involved actively in future awareness raising campaigns.’
Mr Brown said that this year the States has given overwhelming support to establishing equality laws with a commitment to bring draft legislation to the Assembly during this political term.
He said the public support of Policy & Resources president Deputy Gavin St Pier for the ERO was encouraging.
He added that there had been progress in areas of the disability and inclusion strategy, but as yet no tangible outcomes for service users.
The recent Chartered Institute of Professional Development conference was successful in promoting positively the moral and economic case for increased diversity in the workforce, while the Accessible Town initiative was excellent in raising awareness of disability with retailers and the wider community.
. The EWG was established in 2016 from a shared interest in accelerating the equality agenda in the Bailiwick.
