Tag: Human Rights Commission
HRC urges people to stand up for each other’s rights
(CNS): The Human Rights Commission is urging the community to support international Human Rights Day on Saturday by standing up for the rights of others. Emphasising the importance of promoting, protecting and preserving human rights here in Cayman, the HRC noted concerns this year that hard won rights are under attack across the world.
Audio of Constitution for visually impaired ‘soon come’
(CNS): More than seven years after the Cayman Islands Constitution was implemented and three years after the Bill of Rights came into effect, the Constitutional Commission has revealed plans for an audio version for the visually impaired. The commission said the project was in “the preliminary stages” and said they hoped to have it completed […]
HRC calls for end to banned books
(CNS): The chair of the Human Rights Commission has said that the local Prohibited Publications Order continues to set a dangerous precedent for censorship and government should focus on encouraging reading not banning literature. In a statement to mark World Banned Books Week, which celebrates freedom of expression, James Austin-Smith pointed out that the censorship […]
Brexit won’t affect right to petition ECHR
(CNS): Following the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, members of the community have been under the mistaken impression that this means the European Convention on Human Rights will no longer apply to Cayman. But Britain’s exit from the EU is unrelated to its relationship with the convention, which means that local people […]
Legal issues re same sex unions unchanged, says HRC
(CNS): The recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Chapin and Charpentier v France case has changed nothing when it comes to countries needing to recognise lawful same-sex unions, the Cayman Islands Human Rights Committee has stated. Despite recent comments in the Legislative Assembly, especially by Anthony Eden who suggested the court’s […]
Cubans allege sexual assaults at centres
(CNS): The Human Rights Commission has raised concerns with the premier’s home affairs ministry over the treatment of Cuban migrants, including allegations that female detainees have been sexually assaulted at detention centres and guards are sharing drugs with migrants. Writing to the ministry’s chief officer, Eric Bush, HRC Chair James Austin-Smith highlighted ongoing problems with the […]
HRC urges people to embrace Cayman’s diversity
(CNS): The Human Rights Commission is calling on Cayman to embrace the cultural diversity here that stems from the multiple nationalities that make up the community. In a statement to mark the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the commission pointed out that enhancing cultural diversity is important to ensure […]
Immigration issues dominate human rights complaints
(CNS): During 2015 the Human Rights Commission dealt with 31 complaints from members of the public alleging breaches by public officials of their human rights, according to its latest annual report. The majority of complaints were about the immigration department or its connected boards, such as the Business Staffing Plan and Caymanian Status and Permanent […]
Eden remains unmoved over reaction to homophobia
(CNS): MLA Anthony Eden has once again attempted to justify his comments about what he believes are the evils and immorality of homosexuals and the influence of non-Christians on Cayman society. In yet another personal statement, which the Speaker allowed him to deliver under the privilege of the parliament, he urged Caymanians to stand against gays […]
No gay unions but CIG to look at dependents
CNS): The Human Rights Commission has published correspondence between Premier Alden McLaughlin and the HRC chair on the controversial issue of civil rights for gay couples. In a letter to James Austin Smith, McLaughlin said Cayman wasn’t ready to accept or legalise same-sex partnerships but government may consider changing the immigration rules to allow gay […]
Law to protect disabled should be priority, says HRC
(CNS): The Human Rights Commission said that nothing prevents a private business from discriminating against people with disability and without legislation to protect them, the disabled continue to face daily challenges in Cayman. Commending the National Disability Policy, which was released last year, and plans to bring supporting legislation, the commission urged the government to […]
