Bill could breach human rights

The government may be breaching children’s human rights by
“deliberately” omitting organisations working with children of
asylum seekers and refugees from key parts of the Children
Bill.

The parliamentary joint committee on human rights has written to
Sure Start minister Cathy Ashton seeking justification for the
omission, and pledged to bring the matter to the attention of each
House.

The bill excludes the groups from clauses promoting the well-being
and protection of children, and setting up local safeguarding
boards.

The report also raises concerns about the proposed role and
independence of the children’s commissioner, and the framework the
post holder will be working within.

– The report is available from:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200304/jtselect/jtrights/93/93.pdf