So, here’s the scoop: Britain’s equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), might lose its big shot status at the UN Human Rights Council. Why? Well, it’s got some heat over its stance on transgender rights and questions about how independent it really is.
UN Status at Risk
The EHRC could lose its “A status,” which gives it the power to participate freely at the UN Human Rights Council and vote on important stuff. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (Ganhri) is checking if the EHRC is sticking to global standards. If it doesn’t pass, the EHRC could lose these important rights.
The Complaints
Last year, a bunch of LGBT+ groups led by Stonewall and backed by the Good Law Project said the EHRC was too political and against trans rights. They wanted the EHRC’s “A status” taken away. Ganhri looked into it and said, “Keep the status, but fix some human rights issues, especially for LGBTI folks.” Stonewall and pals say the EHRC didn’t follow these suggestions, so they complained again. This led to the special review.
Stonewall’s Take
Stonewall’s Robbie de Santos thinks this review is necessary. He says folks in the LGBTQ+ community and human rights groups have been worried about the EHRC’s independence and how it treats trans rights. The EHRC got recommendations last October to do better with LGBTI rights, but Stonewall says they didn’t step up, so they reported it to Ganhri.
Past Concerns
Last year, the EHRC said the government’s ban on conversion practices shouldn’t include trans people. They also told the Scottish government to hold off on making gender recognition laws easier. Later, they changed their mind about the ban on conversion practices, supporting a ban for trans people.
Then, in April, the EHRC caught flak for saying it was okay to exclude transgender folks from single-sex services if there were good reasons for it. Some people, including former EHRC chair David Isaac and current staff, have also raised worries about the EHRC being too close to the UK government.
EHRC’s Response
Equality watchdog. Kishwer Falkner, EHRC’s chair, is bummed about the review but says they’re ready to defend themselves. She thinks the complaints have some wrong info and firmly says they follow the rules (Paris principles) just fine. Falkner believes the EHRC is independent from the government and keeps things fair by challenging them when needed.
What’s Next?
Watchdog. Ganhri had a meeting in September/October where they decided to review the EHRC. But we won’t know what happened there until they put out their report in the next few days. It’s all under wraps for now.
So, the EHRC is in hot water over its stance on trans rights, and there’s a showdown with Ganhri looming. Let’s see how this plays out and if the EHRC can clear the air about its independence and commitment to fair treatment for everyone.
