Jersey has

NOT ratified the UN Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

NOT ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

NOT ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Jersey’s Anti-Discrimination law regarding race, gender or disability discrimination is still delayed due to lack of funds and there is no body to deal with disputes or to promote non-discrimination in these areas.

Even basic, accurate knowledge about human rights in Jersey is difficult to obtain and there is no government department or human rights officer to promote information, discussion or learning on human rights matters.

On the other hand, the Republic of China has ratified both CEDAW and CRC and has implemented many other international human rights treaties and is devoting more and more resources to improving social conditions in this vast country with an enormous population.

Yet, with all the advantages of wealth and European location Jersey continues to lag behind on human rights issues and the failure to achieve the most basic standards to protect even the most vulnerable people is deplorable and a scandal.

It is to be hoped that trade with China will encourage the Jersey government to improve human rights awareness in Jersey and that the Chinese people will lobby wherever possible for change and reform in Jersey.

November 20th is UN International Children’s Day and it is hoped that the people of China will spare a thought on that day for the children of Jersey.