Trevor Phillips  announced the launch of an independent inquiry into human rights in Britain.

The inquiry will be chaired by Dame Nuala O'Loan, the former Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman who led the investigation into the Omagh bombings. Trevor  Phillips said that the inquiry will be 'a full, frank and most importantly independent appraisal' of how human rights works in Britain.

The announcement comes as Britain approaches the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Human Rights Act and the 60th anniversary of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Yet despite human rights featuring in British law for nearly a decade, a GfK NOP poll for the Commission showed that the term 'human rights' still prompts blank or mixed reactions from a large proportion of the British public.

According to the poll, 40% have either not heard the phrase 'human rights', are unable to name any of the protected rights or don't know if they support the legislation. Nevertheless, 47% supported 'human rights' laws in Britain.

The poll showed:

• 56% agree that 'people only talk about their human rights when they're trying to get something they're not entitled to'.
• 68% agree that the government is 'more concerned about the human rights of minority groups than those of the average person'.
• 81% agree 'there are some problems with human rights in Britain'.
• Only 23% agree that 'the media reports human rights stories fairly'.
• Among those who were familiar with the term 'human rights' and who understood what at least one of their rights would be, the majority were supportive.*

The Commission's inquiry will separate myth from reality, confronting and engaging both critics and supporters. In addition to traditional in-depth research, public polling and focus group work, the Commission will convene a series of public evidence sessions where it will hear from expert witnesses.

The inquiry will look at what drives public perceptions of human rights and whether the Human Rights Act leads to tangible benefits in the way that public services are provided.

The final report is expected in December 2008.

Trevor Phillips said:
'Since the Human Rights Act came into force it has faced many criticisms and some would say it has lacked a powerful advocate. Too many now view it as a charter for miscreants, especially criminals, terrorists and others trying to exploit the system.

'The Commission has an important role to play in separating myth from reality and embarking on a full, frank and most importantly independent assessment of human rights in Britain. Interestingly, there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that once the individual aspects of human rights are explained the public feel more positive about the issue.

'But our role is not simply that of advocate, challenging the perception that human rights doesn't bring benefits to a wide range of people. We will also act as critical friend, exposing any barriers that - in reality - mean human rights are not enjoyed by as wide a range of people as they should be, for example those in private care homes.'

Dame Nuala O'Loan said:
'I am delighted to be chairing this inquiry which is enormously important. It's about how these issues affect people like you and me at critical moments in our lives. Human rights must mean something to people. Clearly, we have an enormous challenge ahead. The polling conducted by the Commission indicates that there are some misunderstandings.

'The inquiry will be open and evidence based. The Commission has already laid some important groundwork, and I look forward to hearing from people in the evidence sessions, some of whom may have critical and challenging opinions. I expect there may even be some things that surprise us.'

For more information, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission media office on 0203 1170255 or out of hours 07767272818.

Find out more about our Human Rights Inquiry

* 60% of respondents understood the term ‘human rights’ and were then asked whether they were supportive of it. Of the sample, 79% were supportive of human rights.

Notes

• The inquiry will look at the Human Rights Act as well as other related international conventions – for example those affecting the rights of women, children and disabled people – and the effects they have on our understanding of and experience of human rights in Britain.

• The inquiry's terms of reference are ambitious and seek to give the Commission a robust set of findings about the state of human rights in Britain and recommendations to move the human rights agenda forward. The Commission will be consulting on the terms of reference until 31 March 2008. Please visit the human rights inquiry page to contribute to the consultation.
• Geographical scope: The inquiry will initially be restricted to England and Wales. Once the Scottish Commission for Human Rights is operational, we hope to extend the inquiry to Scotland.
• In Wales the inquiry will be announced by Neil Wooding, Commissioner for Wales, at a human rights summit taking place on 11 March. Media enquiries for Wales should be directed to Sue Dye on 07816 681 175.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission 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 Equality and Human Rights 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.