The newly appointed chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK has cautioned against stigmatizing migrants. Mary-Ann Stephenson emphasized that the negative rhetoric surrounding migration not only affects migrants but also impacts ethnic minority individuals in Britain.
Stephenson expressed strong support for the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and cautioned against the UK withdrawing from it, stating that the convention is a crucial framework that safeguards fundamental rights for all individuals. She highlighted that leaving the ECHR could weaken the rights that are essential for everyone.
The ECHR, an international treaty, has faced criticism from some right-wing political factions who believe it obstructs efforts to expel illegal immigrants. Despite calls from parties like the Tories and Reform UK to exit the convention to address immigration challenges, the Labour Government has affirmed its commitment to the treaty while exploring amendments to human rights laws to facilitate the deportation of individuals without legal rights in the country.
Stephenson, who assumed her role as chair of the commission in December, emphasized that the ECHR is enshrined in UK law through the Human Rights Act, providing protections that benefit all citizens. She cited cases such as the John Worboys black cab rapist and an elderly couple facing separation due to residential care needs as examples where the convention played a pivotal role in upholding rights.
In response to misleading coverage of human rights issues, Stephenson stressed the importance of honest discussions and disapproved of the demonization of migrants, highlighting the adverse impact this narrative can have on both migrants and ethnic minority communities in the UK.
Recently, various groups affected by significant incidents like Grenfell, Hillsborough, infected blood scandals, and the Windrush saga, along with Covid bereaved campaigners, penned a letter underscoring the critical importance of the ECHR in holding institutions accountable and seeking justice. They emphasized that the convention provided a crucial platform to challenge institutional failures and fight for truth and accountability, labeling it a vital safeguard against silence.