Call for commission to push authorities' commitment to human rights culture

HEART OF THE MATTER: public bodies only 'do enough to avoid litigation but no more'

Public authorities are failing to place respect for human rights at the heart of their policies and practice, according to the parliamentary joint committee on human rights, which concluded this week that there is a 'compelling' case for establishing a human rights commission in England and Wales.

The committee's report - produced after a two-year inquiry - criticised the government for failing to push forward a commitment to establish a culture of human rights.

It said: 'Public authorities, such as local councils and hospitals, do not put respect for human rights at the heart of their policies and practice - they do enough to avoid litigation but no more.'

'This is a result of a lack of leadership ...the development of a culture of respect for human rights is in danger of stalling and there is an urgent need for the momentum to be revived and the project driven forward,' it continued.

The committee said that an independent human rights commission must be established immediately.

'A human rights commission probing, questioning and encouraging public bodies could have a real impact in driving forward the development of that culture [of respect for human rights] by guiding, advising and assisting those involved in the work of public authorities.'

The report also said authorities often viewed human rights in a negative light - 'as something from which the state needs to defend itself'.

A commission would help promote the view that 'human rights can play a part in promoting social justice and social inclusion in the drive to improve public services'.

The commission's role would be an educational one, the committee said, although it would have the power to conduct inquiries into questions of public policy and human rights, and could act as a mediator in situations of conflict.

The report stressed that it should not be seen as an inspectorate, advisory body or regulatory authority.

'It should be able to conduct and commission research and provide financial assistant for educational activities to promote understanding and awareness of human rights.'

Victoria MacCallum