The Human Rights Commission will use a series of radio talk shows and public forums to spread the message about its work. The HRC?s mandate is to resolve complaints, promote human rights and help reduce barriers to equality.

Launching the initiative yesterday, commissioner Elliot Hubbard said: ?Quite often, the public doesn?t have adequate understanding of what the legislation means, and what human rights mean to the average person.?

Various well-known figures with a connection to human rights matters will feature on editions of the Shirley Dill talk show on VSB radio from Monday onwards. The first in the series will feature former UBP minister Quinton Edness, who was largely responsible for steering the Human Rights Act 1981 through Parliament.

Talk shows on October 23, November 6 and 20 and a final session in December will touch on topics including workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and racial tolerance.

In addition, a series of forums will be held at Hamilton Cathedral Hall between 7 p.m and 9 p.m on October 12 and 19, November 2, November 30 and again in December.

The first in the series will feature former UBP Senator and Minister Yvette Swan, who will also give general information on the HRC and its history.

Future forums will mirror the topics of the radio shows, and the names of future participants in both will be announced by the HRC at a later date.