Government has defended its commitment to human rights, despite abstaining from a British Overseas Territories initiative to increase protection for minorities.

It was yesterday reported that Bermuda was the only BOT failing to take part in consultations aimed at raising awareness and strengthening legislation. According to Cayman Net News, project leader Marilyn Conolly described such non-participation as a "wasted opportunity".

Mrs. Conolly, former Cayman Islands' Ministry of Health officer, is coordinating consultations with regional BOTs around the world in a four-year project funded by the Commonwealth Foundation. The initiative aims to increase BOTs' commitment to international standards in issues such as the rights of children, women and workers.

Working with the media to strengthen regional democracy is also on the agenda.

Mrs. Conolly said: "We expect that civil society, government organisations and national human rights institutions will be stronger because of participating in this project. "The fact of the matter is you can opt out of it, but the project is there, the funding is there, the expertise is there and the support is there."

She said: "There is a lot to be gained from it, depending on where you are."

Among the project activities are training seminars, technical assistance, and the drafting of a preliminary report to create a framework for laws protecting various rights in each territory.

Cayman Net News reported that Bermuda was the only territory abstaining from the exercise. In response Myra Virgil, Director of the Department of Human Affairs, yesterday defended Government's track record in human rights.

Government is currently reviewing the Bermuda Human Rights Act 1981 (amended 2000), and Dr. Virgil said a series of amendments are about to be submitted to Cabinet.

Speaking on behalf of Wayne Carey, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, she said: "Bermuda's human rights legislation is well developed and organic. The Department of Human Affairs, in consultation with the Human Rights Commission, recently completed an exhaustive study with respect to many of the issues to be discussed, and as a result, rather than duplicate effort and work, we are proceeding with a full consideration of the results of our own studies.

"In this regard, the Minister responsible will shortly bring to Cabinet a raft of considerations for amendments and other initiatives in this regard.

"The Government of Bermuda's commitment to human rights and to the improvement of our legislative framework is well known and is not required to be supplemented in a situation where considerable local work is being done to a high standard."

The Bermuda Human Rights Act 1981 currently restricts discrimination in: race; place of origin; colour; national or ethnic origin; sex; marital status; disability; not born in lawful wedlock; religious beliefs; and political opinions.

Possession of a criminal record was added under the terms of unlawful discrimination in 2000. The draft Review of the Bermuda Human Rights Act, completed in January, proposes the words relating to those not born in wedlock be replaced by 'family status', and the definition of disability be re-worded to include disabilities arising from a mental or psychological condition, including learning disabilities. Amendments are also proposed to require employers and providers of public services (including commercial establishments) to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, such as accessibility.

The Review also recommends age and sexual orientation be added under the grounds of unlawful discrimination. Nationality could also be included under the human rights umbrella.