The new head of the equality watchdog in the UK has cautioned against vilifying migrants. Mary-Ann Stephenson, who leads the Equality and Human Rights Commission, expressed concerns that negative rhetoric surrounding migration not only impacts migrants but also affects ethnic minority communities in Britain.
Stephenson emphasized the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and criticized any potential UK withdrawal from the agreement, describing it as a significant safeguard for everyone’s rights. The ECHR, an international pact, has faced opposition from some right-wing factions who believe it obstructs efforts to expel undocumented migrants. Political parties like the Tories and Reform UK have indicated intentions to exit the convention as part of their immigration control strategies.
While the Labour Government has ruled out leaving the ECHR, it is exploring changes to human rights legislation to streamline the deportation process for individuals without legal residency. Proposed modifications include amendments to Article 3, which prohibits torture and degrading treatment, and Article 8, which protects the right to family life, as part of a broader asylum system overhaul.
Stephenson, who assumed her role as commission chair in early December, underscored the ECHR’s significance, highlighting its incorporation into UK law through the Human Rights Act and its role in safeguarding fundamental rights for all individuals. She cited legal cases, such as the John Worboys rape case and instances involving elderly couples, where the ECHR played a crucial role in upholding justice and human rights.
Additionally, Stephenson referenced research findings from the University of Oxford that revealed instances of misleading reporting on human rights issues. She stressed the importance of truthful discourse on human rights and criticized the stigmatization of migrants, noting its adverse impact on both migrants and ethnic minority populations in the UK.
Recently, various groups affected by significant scandals, including Grenfell, Hillsborough, infected blood, Windrush, and COVID-19, penned a letter affirming the critical importance of the ECHR in holding authorities accountable and seeking justice. They credited the convention with providing a platform to challenge institutional failures and advocate for transparency and accountability in the face of adversity.