London 12 May 2009

Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe, has endorsed the comprehensive approach to equality adopted in the Declaration of Principles on Equality, as the solution to the ‘major political and ideological challenge’ presented by the world economic crisis.

In his fortnightly ‘Viewpoints’ communiqué, Hammarberg – who has decades of experience promoting human rights across the world – calls the distinction between status-based discrimination and social injustice ‘artificial’, before going on to welcome the Declaration of Principles on Equality for its comprehensive approach to equality. 

Mr Hammarberg was one of the 128 human rights experts from across the world who drafted and signed the Declaration in October 2008.  His comments yesterday signal the growing relevance of the Declaration in the troubled economic and political climate.

Writing about the Declaration, Thomas Hammarberg says:

“[the] Declaration of Principles on Equality ... argues that both these types of injustice must be tackled through a comprehensive approach."

“[The Declaration] makes clear that equal treatment is not the same as identical treatment. To realise full and effective equality it is necessary to treat people differently according to their different circumstances, to assert their equal worth and to enhance their capabilities to participate in society as equals.”

The Equal Rights Trust, the only international human rights organisation devoted entirely to promoting the right to equality, has opened the Declaration to further signatures through its VOTE FOR EQUALITY campaign.

Dimitrina Petrova, Executive Director of The Equal Rights Trust said:

“Mr Hammarberg’s comments are a welcome sign of the growing relevance of the Declaration of Principles on Equality and the importance of our campaign.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in securing fair and equal treatment for all to back our VOTE FOR EQUALITY campaign, by visiting our website and endorsing the Declaration.”

To VOTE FOR EQUALITY and sign the Declaration of Principles on Equality, click:
http://www.equalrightstrust.org/endorse/index.htm

To read Thomas Hammarberg’s statement, click:
http://www.coe.int/t/commissioner/Viewpoints/default_en.asp