1. Human Rights Inquiry Presentation to the Equality and Diversity Forum John Wadham – Claire Thieulin Lesko

2. Human Rights Inquiry Inquiry under s.16 of the Equality Act Terms of Reference: – To assess progress towards the effectiveness and enjoyment of a culture of respect for human rights in Great Britain, and – To consider how the current human rights framework might best be developed and used to realise the vision of a society built on fairness and respect, confident in all aspects of its diversity.

3. Scope of the Inquiry Geographical scope: Initially be restricted to England and Wales. consider options for extending the Inquiry to Scotland. “Human Rights Framework”: Focus on human rights currently incorporated by HRA Not exclude evidence about sue of international treaties

4. Human Rights Inquiry Commissioners The lead Commissioners on this inquiry are: Dame Nuala O’Loan, Former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Chair) Franscesca Klug, EHRC Commissioner Sir Bert Massie, EHRC Commissioner Neil Wooding, EHRC Commissioner

5. Key Stages of the Inquiry (1) Launch of final TORs and call for evidence: 21 April 2008 Evidence Gathering: call for evidence launched today- deadline for response 21 June 2008 Service Users and their representatives Public Authorities Positive implementation Negative use

6. Key Stages of the Inquiry (2) Research Projects (May to Sep): – Impact of human rights cases – Case Studies of Good Practice Examples – Role of Inspectorates and complaint and monitoring bodies – Inquiry panels to hear oral evidence from service providers, users and inspectorates – Evidence gathering on factors influencing public attitudes Expect to report late 2008

7. More information For more information about the Inquiry and the call for evidence, please visit our webpage at: www.equalityhumanrights.com/humanrightsinquiry