Sioned Williams MS has been re-elected as Chair of the Cross Party Group on Human Rights in the Senedd for another year.
In attendance were Members of the Senedd and representatives from groups such as Tai Pawb, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Barnardo’s Cymru, Learning Disability Wales, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), Disability Wales, WCIA (Welsh Centre for International Affairs, WEN (Women’s Equality Network), among others.
Following formal AGM business that saw Sioned Williams elected Chair and Professor Simon Hoffman agreed as secretariat once again, attendees heard from Dr Charles Whitmore of Cardiff University, who gave a presented on the work of the Legislative Options Working Group, a group established to make recommendations on the incorporation of human rights treaties in Welsh law.
The cross-party group then discussed several upcoming consultations published by the Welsh Government, including the Child Poverty Strategy, a new tribunal system for Wales, and securing a path toward adequate housing
Sioned Williams said on her re-election:
“I’m delighted and honoured to have been re-elected as Chair of this important cross party group for another year.”
“Groups like this play a crucial role in the facilitation of an ongoing dialogue between Members of the Senedd and key stakeholders. The cross party group on Human Rights is a important platform for sharing ideas, and updating each other of work that is taking place to promote, embed and enshrine the rights of all people in Wales.”
“Now more than ever, we need to safeguard the Human Rights of the people of Wales which are under constant threat from a reactionary UK Government and raise awareness of their continuing efforts to limit the rights of the people of Wales and to undermine our efforts to ensure fairness, equality and justice for the people of our nation.”
“I would like to thank Professor Simon Hoffman of Swansea University for approaching me two years ago with the suggestion of re-establishing this group, and for the essential secretarial support he provides. I’d also like to thank everyone who attends and contributes.”