Published: 10 Jan 2018
The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland has announced the appointment of three new committee members who will use their skills and experience gained from across Scottish society to make Scotland a fairer place for all – protecting people’s rights to fairness, dignity and respect.
The new committee members are Calum Irving, from mental health campaign group See Me, disability rights campaigner Marsali Craig and Rami Okasha from the Care Inspectorate.
Welcoming their appointment, Scotland Commissioner Dr Lesley Sawers OBE said:
"The calibre and volume of applicants was hugely impressive. Having so many talented Scots looking to help drive forward the equality and human rights agenda is deeply inspiring to me and the entire Commission in Scotland team. It is so assuring to know we have such solid support from this broad range of talented people, with considerable expertise and knowledge, and a commitment from across Scotland to reduce inequality in our communities.
"Equality and human rights are at the heart of Scottish life and we are rightly proud of our inclusive society, however there are still challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. As our 2015 report ‘Is Scotland Fairer?’ indicates, for some Scots, young people, disabled Scots and Gypsy Travellers in particular, inequality and discrimination is still of significant concern.
"With the skills, experience and enthusiasm displayed by the new Committee members, I am confident in our ability to tackle these problems head on. We very much look forward to working with them, and other partners across Scottish civic society in 2018, to ensure Scotland delivers our potential as a global standard on equality and human rights."
Notes to editors
For more information contact Sarah Thoms on 0141 228 5974.
Biographies of each new committee member can be found on our website. They will start their terms today and will be in post between two and five years. They join existing committee members Emma Ritch, Lorraine Barrie, Nicole Busby, David Crichton, Clare MacGillivray and Naomi McAuliffe.