Monday 10 December 2018
On the 70th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Committee for Employment & Social Security has forecast that 2019 will be a significant year for human rights and equality policy in Guernsey.
"We expect that 2019 will be an important year for progression of equality and inclusion policy in Guernsey," says Deputy Michelle Le Clerc, President of the Committee. "We will present our proposals for the establishment of an Equality and Rights Organisation to the States in the spring. This independent organisation will advise employers, businesses and Islanders on their rights and responsibilities in relation to diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination. Also in 2019, we will launch a public consultation on draft proposals for multi-ground discrimination legislation."
The Committee's recently announced call for bids to run awareness-raising initiatives on disability specifically and human rights/equality generally is also expected to bear fruit in early 2019, once grants have been awarded and campaigns implemented.
"We launched this grant programme for awareness-raising campaigns in connection with our duties under the Disability & Inclusion Strategy, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international conventions," said Deputy Emilie Yerby. "The Committee is accepting applications until 14 December 2018 and we encourage those who wish to help foster awareness of disability and equality issues to apply."
Charities, businesses and other organisations are invited to apply for grants ranging from small amounts to £5,000. Further information is available at https://www.gov.gg/equality/awarenessraisinginitiatives.
Disability & Inclusion is among 23 policy priorities in the current Policy & Resource Plan.
