The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed grave concern regarding recent media reports and the treatment of the Grace Road Church Group.
In a statement, they say reports alleging that a mother has been denied access to her children by their father, who’s a member of the Grace Road Church Group, should have been approached with due sensitivity.
The Commission says the matters of this nature are best determined by appropriate legal channels, such as the Family Court.
They say public declarations by the Ministry of Employment regarding employment breaches by the Grace Road Church Group must adhere to principles of natural justice.
They say the Group must be given a fair chance to respond to such allegations and to present its defence prior to any definitive pronouncements being made in the public domain.
The Commission say Section 11(1) of the Constitution enshrines the inviolable right of every individual to freedom from degrading or disproportionately severe treatment while Section 17(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of publication, this freedom is accompanied by a responsibility.
They say media is obligated to ensure that their reporting is both accurate and equitable, free of sensationalism that may denigrate the dignity of individuals or groups.
The Commission also highlights that it routinely receives complaints of alleged exploitation and human rights violations perpetrated by local employers against migrant workers. However, it remains unclear whether similar public admonitions are issued against these employers, raising concerns about consistency in addressing similar grievances.
They further say in accordance with Section 26 of the Constitution, it is incumbent upon the media and state officials to ensure that the Grace Road Church Group is treated with impartiality and is not subjected to discrimination.
The Commission urges all parties to approach this matter with fairness, decorum, and uphold principles of justice and equality.
