In part three of the series, we continue the discussion on the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) strategic vision of becoming the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of TT. Today we examine the different models that exist in countries that address human rights holistically, as well as look at the suitability of a particular model for the TT context.

To read more:  https://newsday.co.tt/2023/05/15/nhris-different-models-around-the-world/

In accordance with Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the Freedom of Information Act Chapter 22:02 (‘FOIA’), the Equal Opportunity Commission (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Commission’), being a Public Authority, is required by law to publish the following statements, which list the documents and information generally available to the public.

The EOC is the leading state advocate on eliminating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity in Trinidad and Tobago.

Hundreds of patrons visited the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC/Commission) nationwide caravan activation in Marabella. The outreach initiative, which was held at Massy Stores on Friday 5th May, 2023 is part of the EOC’s efforts to raise awareness of the categories covered and status grounds protected by the Equal Opportunity Act (the Act) and the services offered by the EOC.

This is the second column discussing the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) strategic vision of becoming the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of TT. On April 17, we spoke about what are NHRIs. Today we will explain how NHRIs are recognised in the United Nations (UN) system. Contrary to other national institutions, NHRIs are accredited with an internationally accepted quality label, based on their compliance with the UN’s Paris Principles.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2023/nhri-part-ii-the-paris-principles-and-the-eoc/

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) has set as one of its strategic objectives, to promote the transformation of the EOC to become the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of TT. This is the first of four columns on this topic. Today, we ask the question: Why a NHRI for TT?

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/towards-a-national-human-rights-institution/

It is important to take proper steps to prevent discrimination within the workplace. The general workplace atmosphere and culture could be adversely affected. The employees may feel uncomfortable and demotivated. Additionally, failure to do so may lead to the organisation breaching the Equal Opportunity Act if a complaint is lodged against it.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/eoc-offers-free-inclusion-policymaking-services/  

Does carnival have the power to unify us as a nation? Are we already experiencing unity during the carnival season? What is the genesis of this unity? The Equal Opportunity Commission brought together a panel of speakers from the carnival industry to discuss just this on its television programme, “The Hard Conversations: Let’s Talk Equality.”

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) joined the Down syndrome community to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. The theme proclaimed for 2023 is With Us Not For Us. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the incidence of Down syndrome is one in 1,000 to one in 1,100 live births worldwide.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/2023/03/20/world-down-syndrome-day-2023/

When you think of a disability, what do you tend to think? Blindness or vision impairment, deafness and immobile body parts? Oftentimes when we think of a disability we think of a physical disability. However, there are many types of disabilities that are not physical, such as mental health conditions, health conditions or an intellectual disability. In today’s column, we focus on mental health.

To read more visit: https://newsday.co.tt/2023/03/13/mental-health-as-a-disability/

In a bid to spread the awareness and celebration of Zero Discrimination Day, the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC/Commission) is advocating for the day to be a staple observation in the country and across the region. The institution is leading the charge and championing the cause, and is calling on the nation as a whole to support that mandate.

The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) joins all other United Nations members to observe Zero Discrimination Day on March 1. UNAIDS (the United Nations agency for treating with issues relating to HIV and AIDS) first observed Zero Discrimination Day in 2014 and initially focused on combating discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV and AIDS, but in recent time it has been expanded to include wider issues of inequality.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/2023/02/27/partners-in-equality/

Venue-packed events, cultural competitions and revelry in the streets all culminate today and tomorrow as Trinidadians and foreigners alike celebrate the height of an action-packed Carnival season.

In the upcoming week, as the season fades away and clears the way for us to reflect on Carnival, we ask partygoers, revellers and spectators to think about the privilege of these experiences. We are referencing and suggesting here inclusion for people with physical disabilities; specifically, facilities or access for people who wish to partake in the jubilations.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/access-to-and-inclusion-in-carnival-activities/

The Equal Opportunity Commission advises that its offices located at 55-57 Manic Street, Chaguanas will be closed to the general public from 12:00pm today and normal business hours will resume on Wednesday 22nd February, 2023.

We are deep in the Carnival season. We know it as the greatest show on earth or the mother of all carnivals! We have been witnessing the spectacular shows, energetic fetes and in one week, the parade of the bands. What we are also witnessing is the unifying power of Carnival in our nation.

To read more visit:  https://newsday.co.tt/2023/02/13/the-unifying-power-of-carnival/