The newly appointed chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK has cautioned against vilifying migrants. Mary-Ann Stephenson emphasized that the negative rhetoric surrounding migration not only impacts migrants but also ethnic minority individuals in Britain.
Stephenson expressed concern about the potential consequences of the UK withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), labeling it a misguided decision. She stressed the significance of the international convention, stating that exiting it would undermine the fundamental rights that benefit everyone.
Critics from the right-wing political spectrum have denounced the ECHR, arguing that it obstructs efforts to deport undocumented migrants. Political parties like the Tories and Reform UK have pledged to exit the convention as part of their immigration control strategies.
While the Labour Government has affirmed its commitment to the European treaty, it is currently reviewing human rights legislation to streamline the deportation process for individuals without legal residency rights.
Stephenson, who assumed her role as chair in December, highlighted the integration of the convention into UK law through the Human Rights Act, emphasizing that it safeguards the rights of all individuals within the country.
She cited specific cases, such as the John Worboys black cab rapist case, to illustrate the importance of the ECHR in upholding justice and protecting vulnerable individuals. Stephenson underscored the necessity of preserving human rights laws and cautioned against exploiting instances where human rights arguments fail in court.
Furthermore, families affected by various national scandals, including Grenfell, Hillsborough, infected blood incidents, Windrush, and Covid-related grievances, penned a powerful letter endorsing the ECHR as essential in holding authorities accountable and seeking justice.
The groups emphasized that the convention played a pivotal role in exposing institutional failures and ensuring transparency and accountability in the face of adversity. They credited the ECHR with providing a platform to demand answers, challenge authority, and pursue justice, describing it as a vital safeguard against oppression and injustice.