Legislation to ensure that the tribunal responsible for hearing human rights complaints was independent was backed today by the Human Rights Commission.

Lisa Reed, the executive officer of the HRC, said the organisation welcomed the change which would “enhance the protection of human rights in Bermuda for everyone”.

She added that the amendments would promote efficiency in the operation of the HRT and help ensure the tribunal can adjudicate complaints “fairly and wisely”.

Ms Reed was speaking after the Human Rights Amendment Act was approved last Friday in the House of Assembly and on Wednesday in the Senate.

The changes were designed to increase the independence of the Human Rights Tribunal.

The legislation established a distinction between the commission and the tribunal, with commissioners unable to sit on the tribunal until at least two years after their time on the HRC ended.

Tribunal members will be appointed by a selection and appointment committee – also independent of the HRC.

A spokeswoman for the HRC added the amendments establish a “firm legislative basis” for the tribunal and its powers and procedures.