New equality consortium to keep the focus on human rights

Wednesday 20 February 2019

Equality Guernsey has been awarded a contract with the States' Committee Employment & Social Security to deliver an equality and human rights raising awareness programme.

The group will work in partnership with ESS, the Guernsey College of Further Education and Northern Trust to deliver the #starttheconversation series of workshops, seminars and conference.

Resources and details about upcoming events are available on the equality.gg website ahead of the States of Guernsey's preparations to introduce equality and non-discrimination legislation. Events include talks about modern day slavery in the visiting worker population and what the island's children are learning about human rights. 

Currently there is no legislation to prevent discrimination in the workplace or when accessing goods or services based on race, sexuality or disability as well as other categorisations. A Disability and Inclusion Strategy outlined the need for the island to move toward a more inclusive society in 2013. The current goal is to have a policy letter drawn up and brought to the States by the end of this year. 

Project Co-ordinator Kirsten Neeson said there was a feeling that discussions about human rights had gone 'a bit quiet' of late.

"One of the things we're going to do it to reach as many people as we can, we're running a whole series of events. We do think that guest workers have very compromised rights for example," she said.

"People are really positive in response there's an appetite to keep it going forward. We're excited to be part of this next stage and hopefully start to really improve the conversation." 

Pictured: Kirsten Neeson. 

Deputy Emilie Yerby, Project Ambassador, said: “All of us share the same simple desire to live our lives free from unjust treatment, unkind attitudes and unfair barriers to taking part in employment, education and the wider life of the community. The language of equality and non-discrimination can be daunting, but at its heart, that’s all it is about – respect, dignity and equal opportunity for everyone who lives here.

"A better understanding of human rights will help to bust some myths, and encourage public services, businesses and community groups to make positive changes – often small or gradual – so that every islander can share in the best of Bailiwick life.”

Deputy Michelle Le Clerc, (pictured above) President of Employment & Social Security, added: “I am especially keen to make sure that small businesses and employers are supported and don't feel intimidated by the change. I'm delighted that these projects will allow us to reach a much wider audience, including employers and businesses of all shapes and sizes, with education about non-discrimination, human rights, and reasonable adjustments."

If anyone would like more information they can contact Equality Guernsey call 07781 175502, visit our web site www.equality.gg or email hello@equalty.gg.