News

US Supreme Court Allows Majority Rule to Deny a Fundamental Right

London, 9 May 2014

On 22 April 2014, the US Supreme Court in Schuette, Attorney General of Michigan v Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration and Immigration Rights and Fight for Equality by Any Means Necessary (Bamn) et al, held that an amendment to the Michigan State Constitution which prohibited affirmative action policies that favour people from a minority background was constitutional. The Court, by a six to two majority, held that state voters could choose to prohibit the consideration of race in university admissions policies, amongst other things, without contravening the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.

Does Affirmative Action Create Unfair Advantage?

London, 24 April 2014

The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) and University College London Human Rights Institute (UCL HRI) cordially invite you to a panel discussion entitled “Does Affirmative Action Create Unfair Advantage?” on Thursday 19 June 2014.

Time: 18.00 to 19.30 followed by a reception.

Place: Faculty of Laws, UCL, Endsleigh Gardens, London.

Indian Supreme Court Recognises Right to Self-Identify as Third Gender

London, 23 April 2014

On 15 April 2014, in a judgment which has been widely praised by equal rights activists around the world, the Supreme Court of India held that recognising only two gender identities (male and female) violated constitutional rights. In National Legal Services Authority v Union of India and others, the Court found that the right to self-identify one's gender, including as “third gender”, was an important part of the constitutional right to live with dignity. Further, the state was required to take affirmative action measures in order to achieve equality for transgender people. The decision – its tone and approach in stark contrast to the Court's recent regressive decision in Suresh Kumar Koushal and another v NAZ Foundation and others – should offer inspiration to courts in the many countries which continue to recognise only a gender binary.

New Issue of The Equal Rights Review Published by ERT

London, 31 March 2014

New Recommendation on the Rights of Older People Provides Important Guidance to Council of Europe Member States

London, 6 March 2014

On 19 February 2014 the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted Recommendation Cm/Rec(2014)2 with the purpose to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons without any discrimination.

For Fifth Time, ERT Urges Ugandan President not to Sign Anti-Homosexuality Bill

London, 17 February 2014

The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) has today repeated, for the fifth time, its call to the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, not to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (the Bill) into law. On Friday 14 February, the President announced that he would sign the Bill, which makes same-sex sexual conduct punishable by up to fourteen years’ imprisonment and creates a number of new offences.

ERT Publishes Report on the Human Rights of the Stateless Rohingya in Thailand

London, 6 February 2014

Today, at a launch event in Bangkok, Thailand, The Equal Rights Trust, in partnership with the Institute for Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University (IHRP), published its new report The Human Rights of Stateless Rohingya in Thailand. The report is part of a series developed by ERT which aims to document the situation of the Rohingya – one of the world’s most persecuted minority groups – both in their homeland, Myanmar, and in a number of other countries where they have fled seeking refuge: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

European Court Holds France's Payment of a Supplementary Allowance to Algerian War Soldiers of Arab or Berber Origin Was Justified

London, 5 February 2014

On 23 January 2014, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), in the case of Montoya v France, found that the provision of a supplementary monetary award to Arab and Berber former auxiliary fighters during the Algerian war, but not those of European origin, was not a violation of the right to non-discrimination under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Convention) as the differential treatment of the particular group could be justified. 

Homophobic Bill in Uganda is Unconstitutional and in Breach of International Law

London, 21 January 2014

Following its recent approval by the Parliament of Uganda, The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) has repeated its call to the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, not to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. After writing to the President during the Bill’s passage through Parliament criticising the legislation, ERT has again written to President Museveni, urging him to exercise his power under Article 91 of the Constitution of Uganda not to assent to the Bill. Recent reports have emerged that the President has indicated his intention not to do so, criticising the manner in which the Bill was passed.

Nigeria Becomes the Latest Country to Pass Dangerous Anti-Gay Legislation
London, 15 January 2014
 
On 7 January 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in secret. The Act imposes lengthy prison sentences on any person who attempts to enter into a same-sex marriage or civil union; who participates in a gay club, society or organisation; or who makes a public display of affection with a person of the same sex.

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