Public Health Wales marks Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Public Health Wales is reflecting on the variety of outstanding equality and human rights projects and activities undertaken across the organisation. This includes efforts to become a recognised Organisation of Sanctuary.
10 December 2019 is not only Human Rights Day, but also the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone document proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Rebecca Fogarty, Engagement and Collaboration Manager, Public Health Wales, said:
”The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. Human rights are relevant to each of us, every day. Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk. Regard for equality and human rights are absolutely essential for Public Health Wales to succeed in its strategic priorities.”
Some of Public Health Wales’ recent equality and human rights work, and upcoming activities include:
- Public Health Wales is aiming to become an Organisation of Sanctuary. Efforts are being made by various parts of the organisation, with evidence currently being collated by Rebeca Fogarty and Lauren Couzens. All PHW staff are invited to submit further evidence until Monday, 16 December 2019.
- Public Health Wales regularly undertakes research projects that aim to improve our understanding of protected and at-risk groups, including work around homelessness and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (see report and infographic). Bangor University’s Health and Wellbeing for Deaf Communities in Wales report, funded by Public Health Wales, was also launched this month. The Health Experiences of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Wales (HEAR) study won Swansea University Medical School’s award for outstanding contribution to outreach and public engagement last month. This follows the project’s award for Patient and Public Involvement from the Health and Care Research Wales Conference 2019.
- Consultation on Public Health Wales’ new Strategic Equality Plan has been completed and the new four-year plan will be operational by 01 April 2020.
- This year’s Diversity and Inclusion Week will run from 06-10 January 2020 with lunchtime events each day. Additional details coming soon.
- Several e-learning modules are available to raise awareness of specific protected groups, as part of the “Treat Me Fairly” Equality and Human Rights suite on the NHS Wales Electronic Staff Record system (ESR). A new module on people seeking sanctuary will be available soon, as well as a suite on Global Citizenship