The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Human Rights Commission will officially mark the co-location of the two organisations in Glasgow on Friday with a visit by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Along with this visit, there will also be the first ever meeting between the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
'Today marks a new era for equalities and human rights in Scotland and it's one that I'm very proud to be part of. The Equality and Human Rights Commission wants to create an ambitious, fair and confident Scotland which is built on dignity and respect. I welcome our co-location with the Scottish Human Rights Commission and I believe our country will be better served with our organisations working closely together.'
Alan Miller, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission said:
'I am honoured to be joined on this proud day for Scotland by Mary Robinson, the Justice Secretary, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and my colleagues in the GB Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Irish Human Rights Commission. The Scottish Human Rights Commission will promote and protect human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural. I am pleased that we will be co-locating with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland. Today's event inspires us to fulfil our vision of helping to create a modern and fairer Scotland, where social progress is achieved through a rights-based approach and where human dignity, equality and participation are enjoyed by all.'
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
'It gives me great pleasure to help mark the co-location of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish for Human Rights Commission. The Scottish Government is fully committed to promoting equality and human rights, and looks forward to working closely with both Commissions in helping to achieve that aim. I am also pleased and honoured that Mary Robinson has been able to come to lend her support. She has been a tireless campaigner for human rights both as President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and since then she has continued her work for human rights around the world. The fact of such an internationally-renowned figure being here in Glasgow today shows how seriously human rights are being taken here in Scotland, and how seriously Scotland is being taken on the international stage.'
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Notes to Editors
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 England, Wales and on reserved issues in Scotland. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.
Morag Alexander OBE is the Scotland Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission assumed full legal powers on 1st April 2008. The Commission will soon begin recruiting for staff and will become operational in the autumn. Professor Alan Miller was elected by the Scottish Parliament as Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. The Commission has three part time Commissioners; these are Professor Kay Hampton, Shelagh McCall and John McNeil.
The Honorable Mary Robinson was the first Woman President of Ireland (1990-1997) and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002.) Mary Robinson is now Chair of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Human Rights Commission, will be joined on the day by Dr Maurice Manning, President of Irish Human Rights Commission and Professor Monica McWilliams, Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission 0141 228 5979 / 07970 541369.