UWTSD supports Swansea launch of Guide to Human Rights

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting the launch of a new guide to human rights, which aims to show why they are important to the everyday lives of people in Swansea.

The booklets which are freely available in public spaces across the city such as libraries, leisure, and community centres and are available to download, are designed to inform residents of their human rights as well as explaining why they are important and what Swansea is currently doing.

Swansea has declared its ambition to become a Human Rights City and this vision is shared by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and other key organisations such as the council, police, health board, fire service, and voluntary groups as well as businesses and many residents.

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD attended a signing of the document at the city’s Guildhall, together with Swansea Council leader, Councillor Rob Stewart and senior staff from the authority and university.

Professor Medwin Hughes said: “The University of Wales Trinity Saint David supports Swansea’s vision of becoming a Human Rights City and its ambition to create a city where everyone is equal.  Empowering people to understand their rights and respect the rights of others is fundamental to a civil society.  They align to the values of the University where we wish to empower individuals by removing barriers to participation and supporting people from all backgrounds and circumstances to fulfil their potential”.

Last year First Minister Mark Drakeford attended a ceremony at the Guildhall where these organisations committed to working together with people in the city to secure official recognition.

Since then, there has been extensive engagement to establish people's key concerns and what the priorities should be when Swansea becomes a Human Rights City.

*The priorities identified are:

*Tackling poverty

*Vulnerable children and families

*Tackling discrimination

*Domestic abuse and violence

*Human rights awareness

Cabinet Member for Care Services and Swansea Council's Champion for Human Rights, Louise Gibbard, said: "We've been delighted by the support and feedback we've had since setting ourselves the challenge of becoming a Human Rights City as it shows there's a real enthusiasm to achieve this status. By putting human rights at the heart of everything we do we will further improve local services and decision making.

"We hope to encourage and enable everyone to use their voice, especially those who are more marginalised or socially vulnerable, and take the opportunity to shape the vital services we rely on day to day. The new pocket guides are being made widely available across Swansea. It explains why human rights are important and what we are doing, as a city, to realise your human rights."

Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of the Swansea campus at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) added: "UWTSD is proud to support Swansea's ambition to become a Human Rights City.

"The priorities identified will be a huge leap forward in tacking social inequality and deprivation for the most vulnerable in our city.

"Swansea is a wonderful place to live, work, study and to enjoy its many and diverse resources where people are valued. Becoming a Human Rights City will add to its reputation as an equitable and inclusive community."

There are downloadable PDF versions available of the guides, which can be emailed out or downloaded from the council website by visiting: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/humanrightsguide

Caption - left to right: Swansea Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Day, UWTSD Vice-Chancellor Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Swansea Council Leader Councillor Rob Stewart and The Venerable Randolph Thomas, chair of the University's Council.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk