Residents are facing discrimination when they try and find somewhere to live, according to a Human Rights Commission survey.

Lisa Reed, the executive officer of the commission, said that the results of the survey, conducted between March and April this year, suggested that respondents “are experiencing or have experienced discriminatory practices in Bermuda”.

Ms Reed added: “Some of the examples shared related to characteristics such as race, place of origin, sex or sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, and religion, and concerned protected areas such as housing, publications, goods, facilities and services, and employment.”

Ms Reed said: “We appreciate the time each person took to answer the questions and share their experiences. These submissions will help the commission to focus on these human rights areas with the view to reducing and eliminating discrimination in Bermuda.

“The commission appreciates the responses received and we look forward to future public engagements as we continue to progress developments to Bermuda’s Human Rights Act.”

Under the 1981 Human Rights Act, complaints must be filed within six months of an alleged contravention.

However, complaints may still be filed up to two years after an alleged contravention if the executive officer is satisfied that there are good reasons for the delay and that no one will be prejudiced by the delay.

Further details of the survey, such as the number of people questioned, the percentage of respondents who claimed to be discriminated against, and the nature of the discrimination, were not provided.

Anyone who thinks they have been discriminated against, can contact the Human Rights Commission on 295 5859 or via e-mail at HRC_Intakes@gov.bm.