Four outstanding annual reports from the Human Rights Commission are finally to be tabled in the House of Assembly next Friday.

The documents — which the commission is required by law to produce each year but has failed to do since 2001 — are now being printed and will be handed to Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief for him to present to parliament.

Myra Virgil, the Government's newly-appointed Director of Human Affairs, told The Royal Gazette: "The reports are being prepared to be tabled in the House, which includes printing and distribution packaging.

"Their publication is a positive step for the commission. The reports encapsulate the work and efforts of the commission over the past years and the history of human rights in Bermuda and international premises."

Maryanne Scott, acting chairman of the commission, who steps down at the end of the year, said: "I suppose you can say it's kind of a relief that it's finished and it's done. We are very happy with the final product."

She praised Ms Virgil for the hard work she had put in to ensure the reports were completed and said she had full confidence in her to ensure they were produced on time in future.

"She's done a remarkable job in the last few weeks. I think the administration will be where it needs to be. Moving forward I think this will be in hand. I certainly doubt you'll have a repeat performance."

Former commission chairman Rod Attride-Stirling blasted civil servants in June for failing to produce the reports and called for jobs to be lost.

The HRC's executive officer David Wilson faced a disciplinary hearing over the matter and other issues and was asked to resign, which he did in the summer.

The annual reports will be available at an event the HRC is hosting next Friday at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute to celebrate its 25th anniversary and commemorate the UN International Day, which is two days later on December 10.

The cocktail reception and keynote address is from 5.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature Sujit Chowdhury, president and CEO of the World Trade University Global Secretariat and Secretary General of the World Trade Forum, as the speaker.

Ms Virgil said: "The purpose of hosting any events surrounding the human rights theme on or around December 10 of each year is to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to publicly renew Bermuda's commitments to upholding its tenants."

To find out more about the event call 295-5859 or email hrcbda@logic.bm.