The Department of Human Affairs is set to close its doors this week after a structural review of the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports.

According to a statement by the ministry, the 2015 review also recommended that the Human Rights Commission transition to a non-ministry department to provide “an arm’s length relationship” from the Bermuda Government.

These changes are hoped to provide operational cost savings, including rent, electricity and supplies.

“From April 1, 2016 the Human Rights Commission will no longer be an administrative arm of the Department of Human Affairs but will have the status of a Non-Ministry Department,” added statement said.

“With the dissolution of the Department of Human Affairs effective March 31, the administration and policy development functions of the department will be absorbed into the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports headquarters.

“These functions relate to research, policy development and policy advice on a diverse range of topics including human rights, race relations and gender affairs. This transition will ensure that policy development, monitoring of compliance with relevant legislation and international conventions as it relates to human rights, race and gender affairs will continue.”

Of the two remaining staff positions in the department, one has been transferred to the ministry headquarters while the second is being transferred to the Human Rights Commission.