Commentary on Sections Part 1: The Commission for Equality and Human Rights Section 8: Equality and diversity
26.Sections 8 to 12 set out the duties of the CEHR. Later sections in Part 1 set out the general powers the CEHR has to meet its obligations under these duties.
27.Section 8 sets out the CEHR’s duties in relation to equality and diversity. The provisions require the CEHR to promote understanding of, and encourage good practice in relation to, equality and diversity (whether or not this relates to compliance with the equality enactments (as listed in section 33)), promote equality of opportunity, promote awareness and understanding of rights under the equality enactments and to work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and harassment, including through using its enforcement powers.
28.Subsection (3) clarifies that the Commission may promote the favourable treatment of disabled persons in carrying out its equality and diversity duties. This provision ensures the Commission’s work is consistent with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Subsection (4) defines disabled persons for the purposes of this Act.