Allegations of sexual misconduct at the Bermuda Regiment are to be investigated by the Human Rights Commission.

The commissioners decided at a meeting yesterday afternoon to immediately launch their own inquiry into revelations by The Royal Gazette that 14 male soldiers have made claims of sexual assault or harassment between 1989 and 2002.

HRC chairwoman Venous Memari said the commissioners determined that the Human Rights Act 1981 which outlaws the sexual harassment of employees [EmDash] covered those doing military service.

She told this newspaper: "Accordingly, the Human Rights Commission will initiate an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment in the Regiment.

"That said, the HRC is bound by the Human Rights Act to preserve confidentiality with respect to the affairs of anyone that may come to our knowledge in the course of our function. Therefore, no further comments will be made at this stage."

Ms Memari said the inquiry could take up to nine months and victims were encouraged to come forward and provide information.

She added "I would like to remind everyone that any reprisal against anyone who assists the Human Rights Commission with an investigation is strictly prohibited by the Human Rights Act."

This newspaper uncovered the 14 claims during an ongoing investigation, prompting calls for a full-scale public inquiry, such as a Royal Commission, from Opposition Senate leader Michael Dunkley, anti-conscription campaigner Larry Marshall and Independent MP Wayne Furbert.

The Regiment has said the allegations were dealt with at the time but will not disclose any further information or statistics on how many sexual misconduct claims have been made in its 44-year history.

Senator Dunkley, who claims "well known" people were involved in the alleged sexual misconduct, said he welcomed the HRC taking the initiative to conduct its own inquiry.

"As I have said all along, the sooner we look at this thing the better off the Bermuda Regiment will be and everyone involved. I support it. It's not a witch hunt in any way but accountability and transparency have to be the way forward."

Mr. Marshall, from Bermudians Against the Draft, said: "I am extremely pleased that the Human Rights Commission is going to look into this matter. Although I do not have specific knowledge as to the parameters they will be operating in, it is good news.

>"Most encouraging is that the victims will be able to speak anonymously and tell their story without fear of reprisal. Perhaps evidence gathered by them can then be presented to the Governor, who will then be able to set up a Royal Commission which has far more coercive powers."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said last week he saw "no convincing argument" for a Royal Commission.

Regiment commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gonsalves has warned that serving soldiers are prohibited from communicating any information or view about the Regiment to the public without his approval.

He said the right to freedom of expression could be legally restricted at times "in the interest of defence, public safety and public order".

The HRC is located in Suite 301 in the Mechanics Building, 11 Church Street, Hamilton and can be contacted by calling 295-5859 or e-mailing hrcbda@ibl.bm..