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Home | Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Commission for Equality and Human Rights

The Equality Institutions Review is the most significant review of equality in over a quarter of a century.

The Government believes that equality matters to everyone. It is not a minority concern. A successful society must make full use of the talents of all its members.

Following the consultation around the Green Paper, Equality and Diversity: Making it Happen, the Government concluded that a single body represented the best option for realising its vision of a fairer, more inclusive and prosperous Britain.

Fairness for All : A New Commission for Equality and Human Rights

The Government published a White Paper concerning the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) on 12 May 2004.  The White Paper described the vision, role, functions and powers of the new proposed new Commission, which will help achieve a fairer, more inclusive Britain.    The CEHR would be responsible for challenging discrimination across society and for the first time promote human rights. 

The release of Fairness for All was followed by an extensive 3 month consultation period.  On 18 November 2004 the Government published its formal response to the consultation.  The Government believes the changes outlined in the response will better equip the CEHR for its task of championing equality, diversity and human rights, and promoting good relations between communities.

It was confirmed in the Queen's speech on 23 November that the Government will establish the CEHR.

The Government response to consultation

The response is available to download here and hard copies can be ordered by phoning 0870 1502 500.  Copies in alternative formats can be obtained on request by phoning 020 7276 2298.  A press release concerning the publication of the response can be found here and the associated Statement to Parliament with clarification can be viewed here.  

Responses received from organisations and individuals who responded to the consultation can be found here or requested by e-mailing CEHR@dti.gsi.gov.uk or phoning 020 7276 2036.  

Download the Government response in English (MS Word, 652KB)

Download the Government response in Welsh (MS Word, 670KB)

Task Force

A Task Force of key external stakeholders has been created to advise on key issues and their discussions have informed the development of the White Paper (see below).  The Task Force will continue to meet throughout the Summer of 2004.  More about the Task Force

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Updated November 2004 | © Crown copyright