Cyfarfod y Grŵp Cynghori ar Hawliau Dynol: 12 Chwefror 2026

• Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
• WCVA/Cardiff University Wales Governance Centre   
• Swansea University                                                    
• Equality and Human Rights Commission Wales           
• Health Board Safeguarding Lead                                
• Monmouthshire Council / WLGA                                 
• Independent                                                                
• WEN Wales                                                                   
• Cardiff and Vale UHB                                                   
• Disability Wales                                                             
• Children in Wales                                                        
• Children in Wales                                                         
• Children in Wales (Youth Representative)                     
• Children in Wales (Youth Representative)                     
• Children In Wales (Youth Representative)                     

Welsh Government officials 

• Deputy Director, Equality and Human Rights                   
• Head of Strategic Equality Human Rights & Delivery   
• Planning
• Head of Human Rights                                                 
• Human Rights Team                                         
• Constitutional Reform Team                                                  
• Special Advisor                                                            
• Senior Private Secretary                                              

Apologies

• Older People’s Commissioner                                     
• Cardiff University                                                         

CSSJTCW opened the meeting and thanked members for their ongoing contribution. The minutes from the previous meeting had been shared in advance and no amendments were requested. All actions from the last meeting were either completed or addressed within the current agenda.

An update was provided on the progress of the group’s report. A first full draft is being assembled, but final wording has not yet been approved by all members of the group, so detailed findings could not be presented.

The report will include:

• analysis of possible legislative options
• consideration of practical implementation issues in Wales
• examination of access to justice and how people may use rights in practice
• suggested next steps for future work

The intention remains to publish the report before the pre‑election period.

International update

• An update was shared about ongoing work with the United Nations and the Council of Europe. The Welsh Government will take part in a discussion with the UN Committee Against Torture in 2026. They have also helped with a report about preventing torture and have shared the UK's yearly report on human rights court decisions within the government.
• A short summary was also given about recent Council of Europe meetings. These included talks about making sure information is trustworthy, stopping foreign interference, and news about minority languages.

Raising awareness of Human Rights amongst 14 to 19 year olds in Wales project 

• An overview was provided of the project aimed at increasing understanding of human rights among young people aged 14 to 19. The project focuses on building accurate understanding of rights, supporting young people to recognise misinformation, and creating resources to help teachers and youth workers deliver this content with confidence.
• The resources will be created in partnership with Adnodd and made available on the national digital learning platform. They will be accessible in both English and Welsh and suitable for a range of education settings, including non‑school environments.
• A representative from Disability Wales offered to share learning materials already developed for schools on the rights of disabled people.
• A question was raised about existing guidance for teaching human rights within the curriculum. A link to information on Hwb was provided in the chat.

Action point: Disability Wales will forward their existing resources.

Innovating Democracy Advisory Group (IDAG) update 

An update was provided on the work of IDAG. The group was established to support improvements in democratic engagement and understanding. It is working to a short timeline and will publish a progress report in March.

The group’s work focuses on:

• Democratic education and information, understanding the foundational knowledge, skills and experiences that people need to participate with confidence in the democratic system. Supporting more participatory and inclusive ways of involving the public in decision-making between elections.
• Hearing evidence on international experiences of constitutional principles and whether developing such principles would be appropriate to explore in Wales.

A question was asked about plans for resources to support young people in understanding democratic participation. IDAG confirmed this is a priority area.

A question was asked about youth representation on the group. IDAG confirmed that there is currently no youth member and noted that future work will explore more direct engagement routes for young people.

Action point: feedback on involving young people will be shared with the Chair of IDAG. 

A summary was provided of the progress made by HRAG during the current term. The group has contributed to strengthening human rights approaches, improving strategic planning, and informing work across several policy areas. Examples include work related to disabled people’s rights, equality, human rights awareness, and engagement with different communities.

CEDAW event/ Any other business 

• Information was also provided about upcoming activities marking the 40th anniversary of CEDAW. Members were invited to request details if they would like to attend any events. 
• CSSJTCW extended thanks to members for their dedication and valuable contributions throughout the term, noting that this was the final meeting. The group’s significant role in influencing Welsh Government policy on equality and human rights was acknowledged.
• CSSJTCW highlighted the value of practical insights from members, the contribution of youth voices and third-sector partners, and the work of Welsh Government officials in supporting the group.
• Members were encouraged to continue working together and to hold future governments to account. It was also noted that CSSJTCW strongly advocated for the continuance of HRAG in the next government term.
• CSSJTCW closed by thanking all participants and noting that the progress made provides a strong foundation for the next Senedd term.