A/HRC/41/54/Add.4 70. The Government are working to ensure that all homes within the PRS are decent. The number of homes in the PRS failing to meet the Decent Homes standard is at a record low but we want to do more. Local authorities have strong powers under the Housing Act 2004 to require landlords in the PRS to make necessary improvements to their property. Where a property contains potentially serious risks to the health and safety of the occupants, the local authority must take appropriate action requiring the landlord to take immediate action. The Government have recently gone even further by empowering tenants through the Homes, Fitness for Human Habitation Act, to take their landlords to court for failing to provide decent accommodation. 71. Para 59: The SR notes the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy as demonstrative of Scotland’s welcoming and human rights-based approach to integration. The strategy is clear that everyone who is resident in Scotland is entitled to access healthcare on the same basis. This includes all refugees, asylum seekers and people whose claim for asylum has been refused. The Public Sector Equality Duty requires all public health services to ensure that the services provided are fit for purpose and meet the needs of all members of society. In 2018 guidance was provided to General Practitioner (GP) Practices and Health Boards to clarify that no documentation is necessary to be registered. This was emphasised by communication sent to Primary Care Leads in Health Boards in February 2019. 72. Para 61: The Integrated Communities Action Plan published in February 2019 sets out a range of action to deliver the Government’s vision for building strong integrated communities is one where people – whatever their background – live, work, learn and socialise together, based on shared rights, responsibilities and opportunities. The Government want all those who come from outside the UK and wish to settle lawfully to play a full part in society, to understand their rights and responsibilities, and to make the most of economic and social opportunities available. However, Government is also clear that integration is a two-way street, and everyone has a role to play in supporting strong, integrated communities. Local resident communities share a responsibility for the effective integration of recent migrants, by providing the environment and opportunities for them to take part in community life. We will continue to work with civil society to develop solutions and good practice in this area. F. Brexit and racial equality in the United Kingdom 73. Para 62-70: The UK has some of the most robust legislation anywhere for tackling hate crime and through our Hate Crime Action Plan. Government have worked hard to encourage victims of hate crime to report incidents so that we can bring perpetrators who commit these crimes to justice. In October 2018, the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government published a refreshed Hate Crime Action Plan. This outlines the work we are doing to challenge hate crime in all its forms from prevention, to working with communities to ensuring a robust criminal justice response. 74. The Government cannot be clearer that Britain leaving the EU cannot be a reason to target groups or individuals because of their faith or background. We will not tolerate efforts to create division in our communities, against EU citizens or people of any other race, faith or background. Journalists and media are subject to the same hate crime legislation as other citizens. There are several actions in the Hate Crime Action Plan that seek to work with the media industry to reduce the harm caused by hate speech whilst respecting the right to free speech and the importance of a free media as an integral part of a democratic society. Examples of the actions we have taken include working with the Society of Editors, the Media Trust and the Independent Press Standards Organisation to improve journalists’ understanding of minority groups, including working with the Independent Press Standards Organisation to devise training to help journalists develop better understanding of Islam. 75. The public order offences of “stirring up hatred” focus both on hatred itself and the intention or likely effect of the action in question. The number of prosecutions for the stirring up of hatred is much lower than for other hate related offences, due to higher evidential thresholds and the need to consider an individual’s right to freedom of expression. Potential cases are referred to the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division by CPS. Areas in line 14

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