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Foreword
The quality and breadth of discussions
throughout the day was greatly enhanced
On 28 January 2009, over 200 delegates
by the diverse range of people sharing their
gathered at the British Library, London, for BIHR’s
knowledge and experiences. Included amongst
annual conference, Changing the Face of Human
the 220 delegates were academics, actors,
Rights. The event was the first of its kind to
artists, community representatives, journalists,
examine in depth public perceptions of human
lawyers, NGO workers, politicians and public
rights in the UK and to explore new strategies
officials. The huge variety of perspectives
for stimulating a more positive public discourse.
brought together at this event were captured in
Narrow or negative public discourse
a short film of vox pops which can be viewed
about human rights in the UK is preventing
online at www.bihr.org.uk.
appropriate, beneficial and widespread use
The conference would not have been possible
of the Human Rights Act. Generating new
without our main sponsors, the Ministry of
narratives around human rights is therefore vital.
Justice and the Equality and Human Rights
The conference was part of BIHR’s broader
Commission. The pre-conference capacity
initiative Changing the Face of Human Rights,
building day was also supported by the National
which aims to engage a wide range of people
Council for Voluntary Organisations, and the
and organisations in developing this fresh
British Library.
thinking about human rights.
This report brings together the presentations
BIHR was delighted to provide 35 free places
from the conference, records the discussions
for individuals who would not otherwise have
and issues raised by delegates, and presents
been able to attend. This ensured that people
recommendations for action. We hope it will
with direct experience of discrimination and
help delegates and others to take forward
exclusion, and the groups working with them
the wonderful range of ideas born from
on the frontline, had their voices heard. These
the conference, and stimulate us all to work
delegates also attended a pre-conference
together to change the face of human rights. 3
capacity building day to support them to
Katie Ghose
participate effectively during the conference.
Director
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