Remarks: Unreasonable Hardship Forum
Yesterday [Nov.23] the Public Forum on Human Rights [Unreasonable Hardship] Amendment Act 2011 was held at the Cathedral Hall, with Minister of Youth, Families and Sports Glenn Blakeney among those addressing those gathered.
The Human Rights [Unreasonable Hardship] Amendment Act 2011 seeks to provide protection to persons with disabilities against discrimination when applying for employment or once employed.
The Minister’s full remarks follow below:
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Thank you very much for joining us today. It is my pleasure to welcome you to today’s forum to discuss the Human Rights (Unreasonable Hardship) Amendment Act 2011, and the associated responsibilities and opportunities employers and employees will have to create a more inclusive workplace.
The Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports has oversight of the Human Rights Commission and the Unreasonable Hardship Amendment Act being discussed today. This legislation represents a significant step towards promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.
The Human Rights (Unreasonable Hardship) Amendment Act 2011 will become operational on December 3, 2011 to correspond with the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The legislation is designed to provide expanded protection for persons with disabilities from discrimination while seeking employment or while employed.
I would like to state that the Amendment signals more than legislative protection and adherence. It is an opportunity for us all to do more than what is minimally required to affect change in support of human rights in the workplace.
This effort seeks to bring these rights to life and to ask some important questions:
- Does my organisation provide appropriate consideration of persons with disabilities?
- What more can we do?
- What do we need to put in place to reflect our company’s commitment to honouring these rights?
- What skills and tools do I need to develop to be more inclusive?
- What can my organization do to ensure that consideration is given not just to my current or potential employees, but to stakeholders and customers that may need my services as well?
Today’s forum will address the obligations and responsibilities for employers, human resource managers, and employees in creating an environment where persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to contribute their skills and talents towards Bermuda’s economic growth.
We are fortunate to be joined by a guest speaker and leading disability and diversity advocate from the United Kingdom, Mr. Rick Williams. Mr. Williams is an Associate of the Employer’s Forum on Disability and as well, Chair of the Home Office Disability Advisory Group. He has provided guidance to company Boards, Government Departments, and the International Labour Organization in developing Disability Confidence in various jurisdictions.
Mr. Williams is joined by Lisa Lister, Executive Officer of the Human Rights Commission and Mr. John Payne, Acting Manager of the National Officer for Seniors and the Physically Challenged.
I am optimistic that today signifies the start of collaborative discussions between individuals and organizations (pause) and agencies like the Human Rights Commission and the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged.
Thank you, and I look forward to our continuing and collective dialogue, as we build best practice in Bermuda in support of human rights, and inclusion for all in the workplace.
At this time, I will have Lisa introduce the presentation.
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