UN advice for UK

The United Nations race committee has recommended that the government “should implement all of the provisions of the Equality Act and ensure that there is no regression from the current levels of protection”.

The committee’s observations are based on government reports, showing how it has complied with the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination.

The UN committee also raised concerns over the austerity measures adopted in response to the economic downturn, proposed budget cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the government’s response to the August riots.

The committee expressed regret over the insistence on proceeding with the eviction of the Gypsy and Traveller community at Dale Farm, Essex, before identifying and providing alternative culturally appropriate housing for these communities.

And in a similar vein, it raised concerns over the reports of an increase in virulent attacks and negative portrayal of ethnic minorities, immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees by the media.