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Professor Geraldine Van Bueren, Commissioner for human rights at the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:

'It is really important that any discussion about a potential Bill of Rights goes beyond the usual slanging match which surrounds this most important of subjects. The review, set up today, creates an opportunity to show what a positive contribution the Human Rights Act has made to the lives of everyone.

'There is a job to be done to convince people that human rights are relevant to them in a way which contradicts their negative portrayal. It is also important that the instrumental role that the Human Rights Act plays in issues such as improving NHS care or promoting justice for victims of crime is recognised.

'The Equality and Human Rights Commission is absolutely committed to the rights and protections currently in the Human Rights Act and we will be making the case that any new Bill of Rights must extend these further.'

For more press information contact the Commission’s media office on 020 3117 0255, out of hours 07767 272 818.

For general enquiries please contact the Commission’s national helpline: England 0845 604 6610, Scotland 0845 604 5510 or Wales 0845 604 8810.

Related links

Bill of Rights

Developing a Bill of Rights for the UK: research report

Principles of the Bill of Rights debate

Our response to the Green Paper

Notes to editors

The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.