Formed with the help of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), the coalition wants to act as a voice for those with concerns about equality and human rights issues within Wales. Members will exchange information, advice and ideas, and will be brought together for discussions and debates surrounding current issues.

WCVA chief executive Graham Benfield OBE, who chaired the first meeting, spoke about how local organisations play an important part in promoting human rights and equality. “Coming together in a coalition should provide a supportive environment to share information and ideas,” he said, “but should also be a platform to ensure that the experiences of these groups and the individuals they work with can be heard by decision makers in Wales and across the UK.”