Commission for Equality and Human Rights (Hansard, 19 November 2003)

HL Deb 19 November 2003 vol 654 cc333-4WA 333WA

§ Lord Lester of Herne Hill
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be empowered to promote and secure human rights beyond those which are directly related to equality. [HL5426]
334WA

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Lord Filkin)
The Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be empowered to promote human rights generally, and in relation to equality issues.

§ Lord Lester of Herne Hill
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be empowered to promote and secure the rights and freedoms protected not only by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 but also by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the other treaties by which the United Kingdom is bound. [HL5427]

§ Lord Filkin
In my noble and learned Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor's Answer of 30 October(Official Report WA 54) to the Question from the noble Lord, Lord Haskel, he referred to a task force which will consider a wide range of matters that Government will reflect on in drawing up the White Paper. The scope for the proposed commission to take account of the UK's other international human rights treaty obligations is one such matter.