14/07/2026
The Human Rights Commission has released its 2025 Annual Report, outlining the Commission’s work to protect and promote human rights in Bermuda.
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“Prepared in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1981, the Annual Report highlights the Commission’s statutory responsibilities, including public education, the promotion of equity and non-discrimination, the investigation and resolution of complaints and support for community understanding of human rights principles.
“In 2025, the Commission received 215 intakes from members of the public, representing a 5% increase from the previous reporting period. The most commonly identified protected ground was s*x, which represented 19% of identified protected grounds, followed by disability at 18% and ethnic or national origin at 14%.
“In 2025, employment-related discrimination remained the most frequently reported concern, accounting for 31% of all identified areas of discrimination under Section 6(1) of the Human Rights Act. Complaints involving Goods, Facilities and Services under Section 5(1) represented 17% of reported cases, while workplace harassment under Section 6B(1) accounted for 13%. Overall, issues relating to employment, access to services, and workplace harassment were the most common concerns raised by complainants throughout the year.
“The 2025 Annual Report also highlights the Commission’s ongoing efforts to advance disability inclusion in Bermuda. In July 2025, the Commission published Disability Inclusion in Bermuda: Findings & Recommendations from a National Consultation, which identified key barriers and areas requiring urgent action to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights on an equal basis with others. The report also provides a roadmap for advancing disability inclusion and supporting Bermuda in meeting its domestic and international obligations, including those under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was extended to Bermuda in 2024.
“During the year, the Commission also participated in the Caribbean Disability Network Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, held under the theme Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities. The discussions and recommendations emerging from the conference aligned closely with priorities identified in the Commission’s Disability Inclusion in Bermuda report, including the need for improved accessibility, stronger partnerships, and coordinated action to advance inclusion.
“The Commission also continued its public education and outreach efforts through presentations, roundtable discussions, panel engagements, and consultations focused on human rights obligations and Bermuda’s human rights framework. Public awareness was further strengthened through media engagement and the Commission’s social media platforms.
“Collaboration remained a key component of the Commission’s work. Throughout the reporting period, the Commission partnered with a range of organizations to advance initiatives promoting equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Some of these partnerships included Ageing and Disability Services, Bermuda Is Love, the Bermuda National Library, Imagine Bermuda, Beyond Inclusion, Vision Bermuda, and OUTBermuda.
“The Human Rights Commission remains focused on its mandate to protect and promote human rights for all people in Bermuda. Through education, advocacy, collaboration, and enforcement of the Human Rights Act, the Commission will continue working to contribute to the realisation of a more equitable, inclusive, and rights-respecting community for everyone.”
