Human rights bill back in HOA

After nearly two decades of promises and false starts, the House of Assembly is once again considering a proposed law that would create an agency responsible for protecting human rights in the territory. 

The Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025 — which was provided for in the 2007 Constitution but never passed by the HOA — was introduced on Tuesday by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. 

A nearly six-hour debate ensued, with members from both sides of the aisle broadly supporting the bill but at times raising questions about certain provisions. Then the House entered committee to continue discussing the bill in a private session that is scheduled to resume today. 

When introducing the bill Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Wheatley said it represents an important step in strengthening governance in the VI. 

“As we seek to mature as a people with some degree of self-governance, we have recognised the importance of building institutions which safeguard and protect our people,” the premier said. 

He added that the bill has undergone careful review and refinement in recent years — including during public consultations held last year. Now, he said, it reflects the practical realities of VI society while reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms. 

The planned commission would be tasked with investigating and reconciling complaints about human rights infringements. It would also be responsible for informing the public about constitutional rights and dispensing advice on human rights-related procedures and policy. History of delays 

The Human Rights Commission has been in the works since the passage of the 2007 Constitution, which included a comprehensive bill of rights for the first time. In annual Speeches from the Throne, successive governments promised an HRC Act in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2025. 

Meanwhile, different iterations of the legislation have surfaced in multiple HOA sittings, but none have been passed. 

Last year, however, a new series of public consultations was held across the territory to give residents a chance to weigh in on the draft bill before it was submitted to Cabinet for approval and submission the HOA. On Tuesday, legislators from both sides of the aisle commended the bill and stressed the importance of upholding the rights of the territory’s people. 

Seconded by opposition 

After the premier spoke, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn stood to second the bill before addressing a group of Cedar International School students who attended the meeting. 

“I want to say to all the institutions with the responsibility to educate the public, including this commission when it comes to life: We have to do a better job with this country, to educate the people on what we do; educate people on their rights, on the laws,” Mr. Walwyn said. “Because if people do not know that certain rights are available to them, they cannot access those rights.” 

The opposition leader, however, also raised questions about the role of the commission — which would be established as its own corporate entity under the Constitution — in promoting greater self-governance given the governor’s involvement in matters such as hiring commissioners and determining their salaries. 

Independence? 

“If it’s a body corporate, then why is the governor choosing staff?” Mr. Walwyn asked. “The commission should be in power to hire who they want. Where is the independence that the commission should have?” The HOA is scheduled to reconvene at 11 a.m. today to continue debating the bill in closed-door committee.

PHOTO: Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn speaks about the importance of education during the debate on the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025. (Screenshot: HOA)

PHOTO: Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley introduced the Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025, after moving it up on the House of Assembly’s order paper on Tuesday.  (Screenshot: HOA)