The new head of Britain’s equalities watchdog has cautioned against the stigmatization of migrants. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, expressed concerns that the rhetoric surrounding migration not only negatively impacts migrants but also affects ethnic minority individuals in the UK.
Stephenson emphasized the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and warned against the UK pulling out of the agreement, stating that it plays a crucial role in safeguarding fundamental rights for everyone. Some conservative and Reform UK members have criticized the ECHR, arguing that it obstructs efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
While the Labour Government has confirmed its commitment to the European treaty, it is considering revising human rights legislation to streamline the deportation process for individuals without legal residency. Proposed changes to Article 3 and Article 8 within the asylum system overhaul aim to address issues related to torture, inhuman treatment, and the right to family life.
Stephenson, who assumed her role as commission chair in early December, stressed the significance of the ECHR, which is enshrined in UK law through the Human Rights Act, providing essential protections for all citizens. She cited cases such as the John Worboys incident and a situation involving an elderly couple to underscore the importance of upholding human rights principles.
Additionally, Stephenson highlighted a study by the University of Oxford that exposed misleading media coverage of human rights cases. She emphasized the need for truthful discussions about human rights issues and cautioned against portraying migrants in a negative light, as it can adversely impact both migrants and ethnic minority communities in the UK.
Recently, families affected by various tragedies, including Grenfell, Hillsborough, infected blood scandals, and the Windrush debacle, along with Covid bereaved campaigners, penned a poignant letter endorsing the ECHR as essential for shedding light on institutional failures and seeking justice. The letter emphasized the convention’s role in holding authorities accountable and ensuring transparency in the face of adversity.
