In a recent unveiling, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR) shed light on the local government's commitment to human rights with a new report. Referred to as "A Human Rights Lens on LA County Government," the document was produced in collaboration with the International Justice Clinic at UC Irvine School of Law and Northeastern University School of Law Center for Global Law and Justice. It's a deep dive into how the day-to-day operations of LA County’s agencies align with the respect and promotion of human rights, as reported by LACounty.gov.
"This report gives the public a clear look at how we are working to protect human rights every day in Los Angeles County," Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said, as highlighted in the document. The extensive work behind the scenes was emphasized by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who recounted that the Board of Supervisors approved her motion four years prior to integrating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination into county ordinance, invigorating their human rights mandate.
The notion that human rights are woven into the tapestry of everyday civic administration was echoed by LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. "Human rights live in action," Horvath affirmed, referencing the County’s efforts such as adopting CEDAW principles and reshaping community safety and opportunity. More than just a theoretical blueprint, this latest report encourages a broader and practical integration of human rights into local governance.
It's not only the lofty policies that are being scrutinized; the report sets its sights on practical elements as well. "Whether it’s our public defenders safeguarding the right to counsel or our public hospitals delivering care to everyone regardless of income, the work of Los Angeles County employees is, at its core, the work of protecting human rights," Supervisor Janice Hahn told LACounty.gov. The report details how twelve key international human rights documents are mirrored in the County's endeavors, an initiative endorsed by LACCHR Executive Director Robin Toma.
LACCHR is not just listing accomplishments; it is actively engaging with a variety of stakeholders across the county, heightening awareness and fostering participation in these global principles. According to the same report, the aim is to bridge local efforts with wider international human rights commitments. It is as much an educational tool as it is a call to action for public officials, advocates, and community members alike, to grasp and further human rights in their jurisdiction.
