Demonstrating Respect for Rights? Follow-up

HL Paper 141 / HC 522, Twenty-second Report of Session 2008-09 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Lords / House of Commons - Joint Committee on Human Rights

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

This report, 'Demonstrating Respect for Rights? Follow-up (HL Paper 141 / HC 522)', investigates the protests during the G20 summit in London in April. It follows the Committee's March 2009 report about a human rights based approach to policing protest (HL 47-I / HCP 320-I, ISBN 9780104014530).

The G20 protests were mostly peaceful in intent but were marred by a death, alleged assaults of protesters by police officers, the use of containment tactics against protesters and alleged refusals of some police officers to reveal their identity.

The Committee recommend that:

• every police force should have a widely advertised nominated point of contact, to make it easy for the police and protesters to discuss the protest before it takes place;

• the Government, the Independent Police Complaints Commission and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary should explore using independent negotiators to facilitate dialogue and to resolve disputes between police and protesters;

• containment can be lawful but only where it is proportionate and necessary to do so, should take more account of the circumstances of individual, allow people to leave as soon as possible. Toilets, water and medical facilities must be easily accessible to people contained;

• there should be a legal requirement for police officers to wear identification numbers when on duty; and

• the Metropolitan Police should ensure that any exaggerated and distorted reporting in the media can be countered quickly and authoritatively.

This report also provides an update on:

• protest around Parliament

• the use of counter-terrorism powers and civil injunctions

• Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986

• protest in quasi-public space

• the taking and retention of photographs.

The Committee's March 2009 report 'Demonstrating Respect for Rights? A Human Rights Approach to Policing Protest (HL Paper 47-I / HC 320-I)' (ISBN 9780104014530) is available to buy separately, please see below.

Extent	135 pages	ISBN	9780108444777
Size	A4	Price	£17.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	28 Jul 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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