Commentary on Sections Part 1: The Commission for Equality and Human Rights Section 10: Groups
33.Section 10 sets out the CEHR’s duties in relation to promoting good relations between members of different groups, within different groups, and between members of different groups and wider society. It also requires the CEHR to work towards eliminating prejudice against members of groups and enabling members of groups to participate in society, for example in challenging racism in the media, or enabling disabled people to become involved in civic activities.
34.Subsections (2) and (3) define groups as people who share one of the attributes listed in subsection (2), including smaller groups who may share an attribute in addition to the one by which that group is defined, such as Muslim women, or Black and minority ethnic lesbians and gay men, or young disabled people. Groups may or may not consider themselves to be “communities”. The Commission’s work with groups can apply to communities as well as groups.
35.Subsection (4) ensures that, in carrying out its duties under this section, the CEHR should have particular regard to the need to exercise its powers in relation to groups defined by reference to race, religion or belief.
36.Subsection (5) ensures that in carrying out its duties in relation to working with groups, the Commission may promote or encourage the favourable treatment of disabled people, to ensure consistency with the general approach of the Disability Discrimination Act.