I was pleased to support my colleague, Sioned Williams MS as Chair of the Cross Party Group on Human Rights as the launched a report on their inquiry into the state of human rights in Wales last week.
The inquiry assessed whether the Welsh Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen human rights. Evidence was gathered from over 20 stakeholders, focusing on five key UN treaties:
- UNCRPD (Disabled People)
- CEDAW (Women)
- ICESCR (Economic, Social & Cultural Rights)
- CERD (Racial Discrimination)
- CRC (Children’s Rights)
The report has confirmed what we already know from evidence by key partners and individual testimony that there remains a significant gap between aspirations and implementation beyond the strong policy and legislative foundation we have in Wales.
Any bold ambition, especially when it comes to fundamental human rights is futile unless the Welsh Government is willing to lead its implementation, from equitable access to and outcomes from public services, adequate protection and for disadvantaged groups, to addressing socio economic barriers to exercising individual rights. I do very much hope that the Welsh Government will use this authoritative report as an opportunity to lead the way on human rights within the UK with real action.
You can view a copy of the full report here
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