MAYOR APPOINTS MUSLIM HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER
(15 December 2004)

Ken Livingstone has today appointed Yasmin Qureshi as his new human rights adviser. She replaces Assembly member Graham Tope, who held the unpaid post during the mayor's first term. Ms Qureshi, a barrister whose experience includes two years as part of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), will champion human rights issues on behalf of the mayor.

Mr Livingstone has asked her to include the issue of religious rights and freedoms as part of her work, including continuing to reflect the views of London communities who have concerns about the new French law banning religious symbols in state schools. British Sikhs recently raised concerns with Mr Livingstone about the expulsion of Sikh children from French schools, and the mayor has backed calls to for the right of women to choose to wear the hijab (headscarf).

Ms Qureshi will support the mayor's existing agenda on human rights in London such as opposition to racism and anti-Semitism, tackling domestic violence, opposing homophobia (including addressing the problem of homophobic bullying in schools), and stamping out hate crimes.

In addition to these responsibilities, Mr Livingstone has asked Ms Qureshi to address issues of Islamophobia, including Islamophobia in the media. Yasmin Qureshi said: 'London’s status as a great world city places a responsibility on us to champion human rights. I am delighted to accept this post and to work with the mayor on this important issue.

'I also welcome the mayor's acknowledgement that the problem of Islamophobia requires attention. The demonisation of Islam and Muslims in the media is something that I am keen to take up as part of my role.'

Ken Livingstone said: 'Yasmin's strong track record and legal background make her an ideal person to continue to promote human rights issues of importance and relevance to Londoners. I am impressed with Yasmin’s serious approach to human rights, both in terms of the issues she has taken up and also her professional experience. She will bring an extra dimension to the work of my office in this field.

'She has shown that she can energetically champion those whose rights are under threat.

'She has also shown, in her support for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, that she shares my concern that the rights of ordinary Londoners are protected from tiny minorities who can make their lives a misery. This is a serious and balanced approach that will add value to the work of the Greater London Authority.

'I am pleased to have a Muslim woman advising me and carrying this work forward at a time when many Muslims feel that their rights around the world are not being addressed, and I am sure that she will take up these issues, such as a woman’s right to choose to wear the hijab, with vigour. For this reason I have asked Yasmin Qureshi also to address issues of Islamophobia, including Islamophobia in the media, as part of her work.

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