International Human Rights and Diversity and Inclusion

By Dikshya Adhikari.

Reading time: three minutes

Establishing diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the legal profession is an important step toward creating a more fair and culturally rich environment. To flourish in today’s dynamic and complicated global landscape, marked by globalisation, generational upheavals, and technological breakthroughs, enterprises must prioritise D&I. While many industries realise the strategic benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce, the legal profession has generally lagged.

What is D&I?

Fundamentally, D&I is about fostering an atmosphere in which all individuals, regardless of their identity or position within the company, feel equally supported and can participate. A wide range of distinctions and commonalities are included in the concept of diversity, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, and veteran status. Closely linked to diversity, inclusion entails creating an environment at work that respects different viewpoints, guarantees equitable access to opportunities and resources, and enables people to fully participate in the success of the company. 

International Human Rights Standards and the Legal Profession

The importance of D&I in the legal field is a reflection of society’s general move toward justice and equality. International human rights standards have had a significant impact on D&I policies in the legal profession in the UK. These standards offer a strong foundation for national policies and laws.

The primary objectives of international human rights standards are to safeguard and advance people’s fundamental freedoms and rights everywhere. These norms serve as guidelines for domestic laws and policies and are codified in several international treaties and conventions.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) outlines essential human rights precepts, with a focus on equality and nondiscrimination. Similarly, the right to equality before the law is one of the civil and political rights guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Gender equality is the main goal of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) advances the inclusion and rights of individuals with disabilities, and not just these; there are many more to it.

Significant policy changes in the legal sector of the United Kingdom have been seen as being prompted by international human rights norms. To foster a more equal workplace, law firms and other legal institutions are adopting D&I policies that comply with these criteria on a growing basis. International human rights norms have also had an impact on professional training programs and legal education. Human rights and equality are increasingly commonly included in law school curricula in the UK, educating future lawyers to support and defend these values.

Challenges

The full implementation of D&I policies nevertheless faces obstacles, notwithstanding advancements. The slow rate of development and the necessity for more all-encompassing approaches to address intersectional discrimination, which affects people who belong to many oppressed groups, are frequently brought up in criticism.

There are a few things that should be done to bring UK legal practices even closer to international human rights norms. It is imperative to incorporate intersectional viewpoints into diversity training programs. It is crucial to create inclusive policies that address all types of prejudice and to promote an inclusive culture through accountability measures and leadership commitment.

 Overall

International human rights norms have significantly influenced the development of D&I strategies in the UK’s legal industry. The legal profession may continue to advance justice and equality by adhering to these global standards, fostering an atmosphere that is more welcoming to all. To bring about significant and long-lasting change in the legal sector, ongoing efforts and a dedication to these principles are necessary. The pursuit of a genuinely inclusive and varied legal profession is an ongoing process that calls for perseverance, compassion, and a strong adherence to human rights ideals. This commitment makes sure that the legal profession leads by example in preserving the principles of equality and human dignity, as well as reflecting the society it serves.