Wednesday 10th December, is the date which has been celebrated as Human Rights Day since 1950, and the Isle of Man United Nations Association will host a presentation by Advocate Paul Beckett under the title, "A Human Rights Commission for the Isle of Man? Is the Equality Bill only half the story?.”

Paul Beckett says: “In using the UK's Equality Act 2010 as the precedent for the Equality Bill, the IOM Government has unconsciously adopted the prejudices of the UK's inner circles of power inherent in the way that Act is put together and in what it covers; particularly their abhorrence of social and cultural rights. Poverty relief is clearly not on the agenda."

He continues: “Our Government has also overlooked the UK's Equality Act 2006, which consolidated and expanded the role of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. The Isle of Man Government's putting forward the Equality Bill is only half the story - the walls are going up, but the footings aren't in."

Isle of Man United Nations Association Secretary Andrew Newton says: “our association exists to foster debate about international issues that affect the Island. The proposed Equality Bill is a case in point where international standards and experience need to be considered. Members welcome participation of non-members in our events.”

The event will take place in the Noble’s Pavillion, Noble’s Park in Douglas and starting at 7.30pm. The event is free and the public are welcomed.

For further information contact Andrew Newton on 427925 or via email to ecoperatives@hotmail.com.