Laura Sharman 13 March 2019

Grenfell residents had human rights breached, watchdog warns

The residents of Grenfell Tower had their human rights breached by the council and public services before the fire started, a watchdog has warned.

In its report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said resident’s right to life and adequate housing were breached as authorities had failed to ban the unsafe cladding before the tragic fire.

The watchdog also said the safety of disabled people and the elderly was overlooked when they were housed on the top floors of the building, and safety notices were only given out in English.

It adds that authorities are continuing to breach Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights as more than 300 high-rise buildings in the UK are still wrapped in the now banned combustible cladding.

David Isaac, chair of EHRC, said: 'Everyone has the right to life and the right to safe, adequate housing, but the residents of Grenfell Tower were tragically let down by public bodies that had a duty to protect them.

'It is our hope that the Grenfell Inquiry finds this information relevant and useful as they continue with their work, but we also need to see action taken by public bodies so we never see a repeat of this tragedy.'

The report calls for the removal of combustible cladding from hundreds of other buildings, improved training on combatting cladding fires and additional protective measure to meet the needs of particularly vulnerable people.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner